by Z175 »
14 May 2012 11:44
I think we're coming into a slightly odd league, with Blackburn Bolton and Wolves sent packing. Grit and fight are out, whereas flair, short passing and attacking is in. There will be 6 teams who were promoted in the past 2 years, so its hard to look beyond them, but I'll try.
Out of the remaining 14, the "big 6",and more than probably Newcastle and Everton, are not going to get dragged down.
The remaining 6 are interesting. Wigan and Fulham have been mentioned, as have W.B.A. However for me its the form of the other 3 mid table sides that must give us hope.
Stoke, Aston Villa and Sunderland have won 0 of their last 6 games, and 0 of their last 6 away games, and Stoke and Sunderland have only won 2 home games out of 6 home games, Villa have only 1 win in 12 games.
So you would expect those 3 to be involved unless something changes.
Villa will surely fire McLeish. But as documented hes had no money, a tiny squad, player sales and an injured Bent. If Bent, Agbonlahor, Dunne, Given are all fit next season they'll have enough. The history/reputation probably means any signings will be decent, despite lack of funds. Lerners gonna lose a lot more in the Championship. I think they'll be poor again, but will have enough.
Sunderland intrigue me. Bruce would have taken them down I think, but MON's incredible honeymoon kept them in a comfort zone. They;ve faded but you could argue its having nothing to play for. I think O'Neill will have a summer to build his own team, and it may be one dimensional etc, but I think again that they'll improve and stay clear.
Stoke however are different. They spent a lot of money last year to reach that next level and frankly they haven't. They pulled away after a slow start this year, but next season I don't see why they would improve. The fanbase is not behind Pulis, as they have that expectations problem that success brings. I can't see Peter Coates sanctioning another summer of heavy spending and I can't see Pulis abandoning hoofball. They'd be my tip to fall off a cliff.
In my opinion Wigan have a good manager and some good young players who will now have a bit of belief. Fulham also have a great manager and a fairly expensive team, Pogrebniak and Bryan Ruiz weren't cheap but look decent. W.B.A. face an unknown summer. But I think they should be the team to copy. Like our side, Hodgson assembled a solid defence with explosive players to score from anywhere. It would take the appointment of Mcleish to make them strugglers.
Of the aforementioned 6 recently promoted sides, QPR's wealth and paper strength should make them ok. But Sparkys arrogance might be his downfall. If they are struggling again and he can't admit it, Tony Fernandes could well opt for another change which would surley be disastrous.
I think Swanseas tic-tac style has a major defensive flaw. As with Reading under Rodgers, they'd leaked like a sieve when not in possession. I doubt they'll have Sigurdssons goals, and the established teams won't be napping for the 2nd trip to South Wales.
Norwich - God knows. Lambert must be a great manager to win games with that side. Some classy looking attackers mind you but some woeful defenders. Will surely struggle. Ruddy will be crucial, is he as good as people think? I suspect not!
Reading, Southampton and Blackpool will all give it a go, but it will be a dogfight for all 3. I think I'd trust Brian at the helm in such a situation.
West Ham under Alladyce will bruise their way to picking up plenty of points...in the Championship!