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It's that time of the year again when the run in to the 2001-2 Barclaycard Premiership begins. With the title race developing into one of the most exciting for years and the relegation dogfight proving equally compelling, I have takn it upon myself as an ambassador for football (lol) to write about who's fighting to be top and who's facing the drop.
Let's start with the title race:-
Manchester Utd (Played 30, 61 points)
Run in: West Ham (A), Middlesbrough (H), Leeds (A), Leicester (A), Arsenal (H), Chelsea (A), Ipswich (A), Charlton (H)
They're run in is definitely the most diffcult of the chasing pack. With the distraction of Champion's League football only time will tell whether United can maintain their current challenge. History dictates that they will. Champions seven of nine Premiership seasons, they have the experience and stamina vital to a successful season. With Van Nistelrooy in red-hot form, Forlan showing glimpses of his ability and Veron and Beckham reaching their best form their prospects look bright. However, their defence has faltered in the big games and as their two defeats to Liverpool have shown, they have been exposed in the big games. One wonders what a potential Champions League exit would do to their confidence. Yet I think Ferguson's managerial experience will pull them through.
Prediction: 1st
Liverpool (Played 30, 59 points)
Run in: Middlesbrough (A), Chelsea (H), Charlton (H), Blackburn (H), Sunderland (A), Derby (H), Tottenham (A), Ipswich (H)
Glancing at the fixtures you can see they have a lot of home fixtures, which could be a benefit. Saying that their style of play is better suited to away games and their away form reflects that. Liverpool are coming in to form at the right time, and Heskey, Murphy etc are starting to get rid of their mid season poor form. They are playing some teams that are fighting relegation rather than fighting for the title but that can prove tough if not tougher. The return of Houllier will give them some welcome impetus but the erratic fitness of Owen could prove costly. Their relative inexperience could count against them.
Prediction: 3rd
Arsenal (Played 29, 60 points)
Run in: Aston Villa (A), West Ham (H), Sunderland (H), Charlton (A), Tottenham (H), Man Utd (A), Ipswich (H), Bolton (A)
Arsenal are definitely the form team at the moment and are the bookies favourites. Pires, Bergkamp, Viera et al have been in startling form and they are looking confident. However, the spectre of Henry's 3 game ban, injuries and the distraction of the Champion's League and the FA Cup could work against them. Injuries and disciplinary problems will eventually edge them out of the top spot though.
Prediction: 2nd
So there you have it, my predictions for this year's title race. Because of this weeks result I have not included Newcastle in this list and I believe it will be out of them, Chelsea and Leeds for the remaining Champions League spot.
You have read my title predictions - now its time for the relegation fight! With Man Utd walking the past few title races we have always been able to rely on the relegation fight going right to the wire and providing us with some wonderful last day excitement (except for the fans of teams who get relegated, of course).
Here are my predictions for the drop:
Leicester City (Played 28, 17 points)
Sorry, city fans, but I don't think I need to tell you that you are destined for the drop this season. Typical - as soon as a new stadium is built to generate extra revenue it plays to Div1 football. Chronic lack of goalscorers, silly mistakes at the back and disharmony amongst the ranks have cost Leicester dear this season. The early season dismissal of Peter Taylor didn't help. It appears that even Dave Basset has accepted the inevitable and is preparing the club for Div1 football and the inevitable exodus of its top players.
Prediction: 20th
Bolton Wanderers (Played 29, 30 points)
Bolton's season has promised much but ultimately delivered little. As critics expected, their early season form has not been consistent enough and they have faltered. A reliance on Michael Ricketts hasn't helped, and neither has the number of draws they have got, leading to them becoming the Premership's draw specialists. Despite the signing of Youri Djorkaeff I really don't think it will be enough to save them. Division 1 beckons.
Prediction: 19th
Everton (Played 29, 30 points)
I am going to surprise a few of you and plump for Everton as my other prediction to get relegated. They have survived a lot over recent seasons but despite some good players I really don't think they are good enough. Their players are getting older, Walter Smith is just trying to use Rangers tactics on Everton, and this reluctance to change as well as crippling injuries will cost them. Sorry.
Prediction: 18th
I think that Derby, Blackburn and Ipswich will survive the drop. There are a few teams hovering above the zone but at this stage I can't see other teams doing enough to drag them into it. Blackburn's Worthington Cup win proved they are a Premiership side and I believe John Gregory's motivational skills will keep Derby in the Premiership.
Please tell me what you think
Thanks for reading
RM18
Let's start with the title race:-
Manchester Utd (Played 30, 61 points)
Run in: West Ham (A), Middlesbrough (H), Leeds (A), Leicester (A), Arsenal (H), Chelsea (A), Ipswich (A), Charlton (H)
They're run in is definitely the most diffcult of the chasing pack. With the distraction of Champion's League football only time will tell whether United can maintain their current challenge. History dictates that they will. Champions seven of nine Premiership seasons, they have the experience and stamina vital to a successful season. With Van Nistelrooy in red-hot form, Forlan showing glimpses of his ability and Veron and Beckham reaching their best form their prospects look bright. However, their defence has faltered in the big games and as their two defeats to Liverpool have shown, they have been exposed in the big games. One wonders what a potential Champions League exit would do to their confidence. Yet I think Ferguson's managerial experience will pull them through.
Prediction: 1st
Liverpool (Played 30, 59 points)
Run in: Middlesbrough (A), Chelsea (H), Charlton (H), Blackburn (H), Sunderland (A), Derby (H), Tottenham (A), Ipswich (H)
Glancing at the fixtures you can see they have a lot of home fixtures, which could be a benefit. Saying that their style of play is better suited to away games and their away form reflects that. Liverpool are coming in to form at the right time, and Heskey, Murphy etc are starting to get rid of their mid season poor form. They are playing some teams that are fighting relegation rather than fighting for the title but that can prove tough if not tougher. The return of Houllier will give them some welcome impetus but the erratic fitness of Owen could prove costly. Their relative inexperience could count against them.
Prediction: 3rd
Arsenal (Played 29, 60 points)
Run in: Aston Villa (A), West Ham (H), Sunderland (H), Charlton (A), Tottenham (H), Man Utd (A), Ipswich (H), Bolton (A)
Arsenal are definitely the form team at the moment and are the bookies favourites. Pires, Bergkamp, Viera et al have been in startling form and they are looking confident. However, the spectre of Henry's 3 game ban, injuries and the distraction of the Champion's League and the FA Cup could work against them. Injuries and disciplinary problems will eventually edge them out of the top spot though.
Prediction: 2nd
So there you have it, my predictions for this year's title race. Because of this weeks result I have not included Newcastle in this list and I believe it will be out of them, Chelsea and Leeds for the remaining Champions League spot.
You have read my title predictions - now its time for the relegation fight! With Man Utd walking the past few title races we have always been able to rely on the relegation fight going right to the wire and providing us with some wonderful last day excitement (except for the fans of teams who get relegated, of course).
Here are my predictions for the drop:
Leicester City (Played 28, 17 points)
Sorry, city fans, but I don't think I need to tell you that you are destined for the drop this season. Typical - as soon as a new stadium is built to generate extra revenue it plays to Div1 football. Chronic lack of goalscorers, silly mistakes at the back and disharmony amongst the ranks have cost Leicester dear this season. The early season dismissal of Peter Taylor didn't help. It appears that even Dave Basset has accepted the inevitable and is preparing the club for Div1 football and the inevitable exodus of its top players.
Prediction: 20th
Bolton Wanderers (Played 29, 30 points)
Bolton's season has promised much but ultimately delivered little. As critics expected, their early season form has not been consistent enough and they have faltered. A reliance on Michael Ricketts hasn't helped, and neither has the number of draws they have got, leading to them becoming the Premership's draw specialists. Despite the signing of Youri Djorkaeff I really don't think it will be enough to save them. Division 1 beckons.
Prediction: 19th
Everton (Played 29, 30 points)
I am going to surprise a few of you and plump for Everton as my other prediction to get relegated. They have survived a lot over recent seasons but despite some good players I really don't think they are good enough. Their players are getting older, Walter Smith is just trying to use Rangers tactics on Everton, and this reluctance to change as well as crippling injuries will cost them. Sorry.
Prediction: 18th
I think that Derby, Blackburn and Ipswich will survive the drop. There are a few teams hovering above the zone but at this stage I can't see other teams doing enough to drag them into it. Blackburn's Worthington Cup win proved they are a Premiership side and I believe John Gregory's motivational skills will keep Derby in the Premiership.
Please tell me what you think
Thanks for reading
RM18
Page:
As an Everton fan, I have to disagree. I don't think that Everton will go down. Although like normal it will come down to the last games of the season. Unlucky we have Arsenal on the last day, but i think we have enough to stay up.
Everton like the others down there have played badly. But we have a great defence compared to the others down there. With 4 solid and experienced defenders, are defence has been the best in relegation zone. I have got to admit Everton have a very bad strike force compared to the rest (apart from Leicester). The problem all season has been the injures to the strikers week in week out. But the main problem is that Walter Smith is tactical inept. He played Blomqvist on the right when he is a left winger, Steve Watson up front when he is a defender, also when we have Joe Max Moore on the bench. If we go down, and i don't think we will I really don't know what manager would want to come in to take over a demotivated squad.
Blackburn have won the League Cup which was a great result for them against Spurs. This many thinks will motivate the team and give them a boost to climb away from the relegation zone. I don't think this will go according to plan. I think they will stay up but by the skin of there teeth. Blackburn do not have a solid defence, Their defence is an ageing reck. With Craig Short and Henning Berg in the middle the lack the pace to deal with preimership strikers and that is one of the main reasons why Blackburn are in the relegation zone. Just like Ipswich they have top young and experienced midfielders and strikers, which many teams would benefit from.
Bolton. At the start of the season, when they beat Liverpool 1-0 i thought, another Ipswich. But I must of put a commenators touch on them and as soon as i thought they were going to stay up the fell quicker than an hookers knickers. They lack experience in the top level, Bergsson who has more experience than all the other Bolton's players cannot help them from going down. The whole team are too weak, in no position say that they have enough quality and i believe that is why they are going down to Division 1 next season.
Derby. What can i say an inspired choice by appointed John Gregory. He has bought fresh faces, motivation and a new style that Derby have lacked for a number of years. BUT it is too late i know they are only 6 points from safety, but they lack quality like all the teams around the drop zone.
Although if the go down i think they will be right back up as long as Gregory is still the manager and has not been poached by Everton when they sack Walter Smith at the end of the season whether they stay up or not.
I have decided not to analyse Leicester as they are down alrady in everybody's eyes as they need everybody above to lose and they need to win all their matches. No hope.
I hope you have enjoyed reading my analysis of the relegation candidates, the teams i believe will go down are the following:
Derby
Bolton
Leicester
in that order.
Everton like the others down there have played badly. But we have a great defence compared to the others down there. With 4 solid and experienced defenders, are defence has been the best in relegation zone. I have got to admit Everton have a very bad strike force compared to the rest (apart from Leicester). The problem all season has been the injures to the strikers week in week out. But the main problem is that Walter Smith is tactical inept. He played Blomqvist on the right when he is a left winger, Steve Watson up front when he is a defender, also when we have Joe Max Moore on the bench. If we go down, and i don't think we will I really don't know what manager would want to come in to take over a demotivated squad.
Blackburn have won the League Cup which was a great result for them against Spurs. This many thinks will motivate the team and give them a boost to climb away from the relegation zone. I don't think this will go according to plan. I think they will stay up but by the skin of there teeth. Blackburn do not have a solid defence, Their defence is an ageing reck. With Craig Short and Henning Berg in the middle the lack the pace to deal with preimership strikers and that is one of the main reasons why Blackburn are in the relegation zone. Just like Ipswich they have top young and experienced midfielders and strikers, which many teams would benefit from.
Bolton. At the start of the season, when they beat Liverpool 1-0 i thought, another Ipswich. But I must of put a commenators touch on them and as soon as i thought they were going to stay up the fell quicker than an hookers knickers. They lack experience in the top level, Bergsson who has more experience than all the other Bolton's players cannot help them from going down. The whole team are too weak, in no position say that they have enough quality and i believe that is why they are going down to Division 1 next season.
Derby. What can i say an inspired choice by appointed John Gregory. He has bought fresh faces, motivation and a new style that Derby have lacked for a number of years. BUT it is too late i know they are only 6 points from safety, but they lack quality like all the teams around the drop zone.
Although if the go down i think they will be right back up as long as Gregory is still the manager and has not been poached by Everton when they sack Walter Smith at the end of the season whether they stay up or not.
I have decided not to analyse Leicester as they are down alrady in everybody's eyes as they need everybody above to lose and they need to win all their matches. No hope.
I hope you have enjoyed reading my analysis of the relegation candidates, the teams i believe will go down are the following:
Derby
Bolton
Leicester
in that order.
Yes i agree with all off the predictions there. John Gregory certainly has sorted out Derby (sheep shaggers :D)
It's that time of the year again when the run in to the 2001-2 Barclaycard Premiership begins. With the title race developing into one of the most exciting for years and the relegation dogfight proving equally compelling, I have takn it upon myself as an ambassador for football (lol) to write about who's fighting to be top and who's facing the drop.
Let's start with the title race:-
Manchester Utd (Played 30, 61 points)
Run in: West Ham (A), Middlesbrough (H), Leeds (A), Leicester (A), Arsenal (H), Chelsea (A), Ipswich (A), Charlton (H)
They're run in is definitely the most diffcult of the chasing pack. With the distraction of Champion's League football only time will tell whether United can maintain their current challenge. History dictates that they will. Champions seven of nine Premiership seasons, they have the experience and stamina vital to a successful season. With Van Nistelrooy in red-hot form, Forlan showing glimpses of his ability and Veron and Beckham reaching their best form their prospects look bright. However, their defence has faltered in the big games and as their two defeats to Liverpool have shown, they have been exposed in the big games. One wonders what a potential Champions League exit would do to their confidence. Yet I think Ferguson's managerial experience will pull them through.
Prediction: 1st
Liverpool (Played 30, 59 points)
Run in: Middlesbrough (A), Chelsea (H), Charlton (H), Blackburn (H), Sunderland (A), Derby (H), Tottenham (A), Ipswich (H)
Glancing at the fixtures you can see they have a lot of home fixtures, which could be a benefit. Saying that their style of play is better suited to away games and their away form reflects that. Liverpool are coming in to form at the right time, and Heskey, Murphy etc are starting to get rid of their mid season poor form. They are playing some teams that are fighting relegation rather than fighting for the title but that can prove tough if not tougher. The return of Houllier will give them some welcome impetus but the erratic fitness of Owen could prove costly. Their relative inexperience could count against them.
Prediction: 3rd
Arsenal (Played 29, 60 points)
Run in: Aston Villa (A), West Ham (H), Sunderland (H), Charlton (A), Tottenham (H), Man Utd (A), Ipswich (H), Bolton (A)
Arsenal are definitely the form team at the moment and are the bookies favourites. Pires, Bergkamp, Viera et al have been in startling form and they are looking confident. However, the spectre of Henry's 3 game ban, injuries and the distraction of the Champion's League and the FA Cup could work against them. Injuries and disciplinary problems will eventually edge them out of the top spot though.
Prediction: 2nd
So there you have it, my predictions for this year's title race. Because of this weeks result I have not included Newcastle in this list and I believe it will be out of them, Chelsea and Leeds for the remaining Champions League spot.
You have read my title predictions - now its time for the relegation fight! With Man Utd walking the past few title races we have always been able to rely on the relegation fight going right to the wire and providing us with some wonderful last day excitement (except for the fans of teams who get relegated, of course).
Here are my predictions for the drop:
Leicester City (Played 28, 17 points)
Sorry, city fans, but I don't think I need to tell you that you are destined for the drop this season. Typical - as soon as a new stadium is built to generate extra revenue it plays to Div1 football. Chronic lack of goalscorers, silly mistakes at the back and disharmony amongst the ranks have cost Leicester dear this season. The early season dismissal of Peter Taylor didn't help. It appears that even Dave Basset has accepted the inevitable and is preparing the club for Div1 football and the inevitable exodus of its top players.
Prediction: 20th
Bolton Wanderers (Played 29, 30 points)
Bolton's season has promised much but ultimately delivered little. As critics expected, their early season form has not been consistent enough and they have faltered. A reliance on Michael Ricketts hasn't helped, and neither has the number of draws they have got, leading to them becoming the Premership's draw specialists. Despite the signing of Youri Djorkaeff I really don't think it will be enough to save them. Division 1 beckons.
Prediction: 19th
Everton (Played 29, 30 points)
I am going to surprise a few of you and plump for Everton as my other prediction to get relegated. They have survived a lot over recent seasons but despite some good players I really don't think they are good enough. Their players are getting older, Walter Smith is just trying to use Rangers tactics on Everton, and this reluctance to change as well as crippling injuries will cost them. Sorry.
Prediction: 18th
I think that Derby, Blackburn and Ipswich will survive the drop. There are a few teams hovering above the zone but at this stage I can't see other teams doing enough to drag them into it. Blackburn's Worthington Cup win proved they are a Premiership side and I believe John Gregory's motivational skills will keep Derby in the Premiership.
Please tell me what you think
Thanks for reading
RM18
Let's start with the title race:-
Manchester Utd (Played 30, 61 points)
Run in: West Ham (A), Middlesbrough (H), Leeds (A), Leicester (A), Arsenal (H), Chelsea (A), Ipswich (A), Charlton (H)
They're run in is definitely the most diffcult of the chasing pack. With the distraction of Champion's League football only time will tell whether United can maintain their current challenge. History dictates that they will. Champions seven of nine Premiership seasons, they have the experience and stamina vital to a successful season. With Van Nistelrooy in red-hot form, Forlan showing glimpses of his ability and Veron and Beckham reaching their best form their prospects look bright. However, their defence has faltered in the big games and as their two defeats to Liverpool have shown, they have been exposed in the big games. One wonders what a potential Champions League exit would do to their confidence. Yet I think Ferguson's managerial experience will pull them through.
Prediction: 1st
Liverpool (Played 30, 59 points)
Run in: Middlesbrough (A), Chelsea (H), Charlton (H), Blackburn (H), Sunderland (A), Derby (H), Tottenham (A), Ipswich (H)
Glancing at the fixtures you can see they have a lot of home fixtures, which could be a benefit. Saying that their style of play is better suited to away games and their away form reflects that. Liverpool are coming in to form at the right time, and Heskey, Murphy etc are starting to get rid of their mid season poor form. They are playing some teams that are fighting relegation rather than fighting for the title but that can prove tough if not tougher. The return of Houllier will give them some welcome impetus but the erratic fitness of Owen could prove costly. Their relative inexperience could count against them.
Prediction: 3rd
Arsenal (Played 29, 60 points)
Run in: Aston Villa (A), West Ham (H), Sunderland (H), Charlton (A), Tottenham (H), Man Utd (A), Ipswich (H), Bolton (A)
Arsenal are definitely the form team at the moment and are the bookies favourites. Pires, Bergkamp, Viera et al have been in startling form and they are looking confident. However, the spectre of Henry's 3 game ban, injuries and the distraction of the Champion's League and the FA Cup could work against them. Injuries and disciplinary problems will eventually edge them out of the top spot though.
Prediction: 2nd
So there you have it, my predictions for this year's title race. Because of this weeks result I have not included Newcastle in this list and I believe it will be out of them, Chelsea and Leeds for the remaining Champions League spot.
You have read my title predictions - now its time for the relegation fight! With Man Utd walking the past few title races we have always been able to rely on the relegation fight going right to the wire and providing us with some wonderful last day excitement (except for the fans of teams who get relegated, of course).
Here are my predictions for the drop:
Leicester City (Played 28, 17 points)
Sorry, city fans, but I don't think I need to tell you that you are destined for the drop this season. Typical - as soon as a new stadium is built to generate extra revenue it plays to Div1 football. Chronic lack of goalscorers, silly mistakes at the back and disharmony amongst the ranks have cost Leicester dear this season. The early season dismissal of Peter Taylor didn't help. It appears that even Dave Basset has accepted the inevitable and is preparing the club for Div1 football and the inevitable exodus of its top players.
Prediction: 20th
Bolton Wanderers (Played 29, 30 points)
Bolton's season has promised much but ultimately delivered little. As critics expected, their early season form has not been consistent enough and they have faltered. A reliance on Michael Ricketts hasn't helped, and neither has the number of draws they have got, leading to them becoming the Premership's draw specialists. Despite the signing of Youri Djorkaeff I really don't think it will be enough to save them. Division 1 beckons.
Prediction: 19th
Everton (Played 29, 30 points)
I am going to surprise a few of you and plump for Everton as my other prediction to get relegated. They have survived a lot over recent seasons but despite some good players I really don't think they are good enough. Their players are getting older, Walter Smith is just trying to use Rangers tactics on Everton, and this reluctance to change as well as crippling injuries will cost them. Sorry.
Prediction: 18th
I think that Derby, Blackburn and Ipswich will survive the drop. There are a few teams hovering above the zone but at this stage I can't see other teams doing enough to drag them into it. Blackburn's Worthington Cup win proved they are a Premiership side and I believe John Gregory's motivational skills will keep Derby in the Premiership.
Please tell me what you think
Thanks for reading
RM18
Page: