Back in August 2011, I wrote an article predicting the Top 6 and bottom 3 for the forthcoming season. With just 11 games to go now in the season, I thought it would be the perfect time to review those predictions and update them with how I believe the season will finish up.
To view the original article/predictions, click HERE.
MANCHESTER CITY
Currently - 1st
Back in August, I predicted that the title would be between the two Manchester clubs and I haven't been wrong. However, it has been the blue side of Manchester that has led the way all season and they currently sit 2 points clear at the top of the table. Their defining moment this season has undoubtedly been the thumping of rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford in a 6-1 win back in October. Sergio Aguero has proved to be the signing everyone expected him to be, while Mario Balotelli and David Silva have started to become key players in the City attack. Yaya Toure has been his same old inspirational being while Joe Hart and Vincent Kompany have cemented themselves as some of the best in their positions in world football with their performances this season.
Although they are currently 2 points clear with 11 games to go, I do still feel they'll fall slightly short of reigning champions Manchester United. They've got some difficult fixtures coming up in the next few weeks before the game being billed as the "title decider" at the end of April at home to Manchester United. However, if they do hold on to their lead and are crowned champions of England for the year, they'll fully deserve it having topped the league all year so far.
FAN VIEW - Andy Morris
Views On Season So Far?
"A couple of months ago I made what some thought was a bold prediction. At a time when Kolo and Yaya's departure for the ACON was compounded by the loss of the awesome Kompany for four games it seemed to many that City would leave January a few points behind United, and perhaps struggle to get back on track. The continuing Tevez debacle added fuel to those same theories. So my prediction that City would win the league by 5 points was something not too many agreed with.
But January and February have now come and gone, the Toure brothers are back, fit and well. Kompany is through his ban and most remarkably Tevez is back in the frame and training with the first team squad. Oh, and City are still two points clear of United.
So, with the Etihad derby game only just over the horizon the idea that City will build a five point lead and keep it seems more credible than back in December when I first suggested it and so I stick to the prediction that City will win the league by 5 points."
Key Player?
Key Player?
"Yaya Toure. Adds steel to our defense but is capable of great power when bombing on in our attacks. A complete player."
MANCHESTER UNITED
Predicted - 1st
Currently - 2nd
I said in August that we would be looking to be in the top two of the league as a bare minimum and that we had the second strongest squad in the league. We are very likely to be finishing in the top 2 now, and with 11 games to go sit behind leaders City by just two points. After a strong start, we had a string of horrible injuries which in turn led to some shock defeats that have cost us so far in this race. However, to still be in touching distance with a game against City to come, there is still everything to play for. Wayne Rooney has been superb all season, while Michael Carrick, Nani, Antonio Valencia, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez have also been very good when they've played. Jonny Evan
s has stepped in for the injured captain Nemanja Vidic very capably, while Phil Jones, Rafael and Chris Smalling have all looked very good at right-back.
s has stepped in for the injured captain Nemanja Vidic very capably, while Phil Jones, Rafael and Chris Smalling have all looked very good at right-back.
FAN VIEW - Nicholas Kituno
Views On Season So Far?
"I don’t think the determination and integrity that Manchester United has shown this season can be faulted. Even in the lowlights of the season, the loss at home to City and then being eliminated from the UEFA Champions League, seemingly the club has still risen up against the challenges it has faced. Second in the table is a place not many expected, especially after looking at the squad and seeing maybe two, three players that are absolutely key. So far, I believe that this season has been good, good enough that we still have the chance of winning two competitions, but also affirming ourselves as a strong side – despite being submerged in a transitional period.
The run-in compared to Manchester City’s seems to be a little more lenient and it will test the capabilities of the table-toppers as to how strong they are mentally to maintain their position. We can certainly relax about the fact that we have faced almost every team inside the top six and are still in Europe regardless of the fact that it isn’t as prestigious as the Champions League. I think we'll nick top spot though."
Key Player?
"If I were to pick one player to be key for the run-in, it’d have to be Wayne Rooney. To some it’s obvious but he has been on good form this season. If he can continue a strong goal scoring run for at least half the games then City will certainly have to wake up. Rooney is looking confident, fresh and someone that United really do need up front if they are going to stop Mancini’s men from claiming the title."
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Predicted - 6th
Currently - 3rd
At the time of writing the original article in August, Spurs hadn't signed Emmanuel Adebayor or Scott Parker yet. As it turns out, they did sign both players and both have been key to their successes this year and are big reasons for them being in third place. Up until this weekend's defeat at home to Manchester United, they were firmly in the title race according to many fans/pundits alike, but now look like they will have to settle for third. Another big piece of business for them was keeping influential midfielder Luka Modric. His passing and playmaking abilities have showed why they fought tooth and nail to keep him and it was an inspired decision. I think they'll hold strong until the end of the season now and finish 3rd, qualifying automatically for next season's Champions League.
FAN VIEW - Stephen Walker
Views On Season So Far?
"Quite simply, the best season for many years. There is clearly a good team spirit throughout the club and the team tactics on the pitch are well suited to team starts the game. They are playing an exciting brand of football that is pleasing to watch and at the same time is getting the results; an ideal combination for any team. There is a greater consistency of performance this season, which has never been Spurs’ trademark. We are still in the FA Cup and the eleven league games will also seem like cup ties as the lads strive to hold on to 3rd place. The Chelsea game on 24th March at Stamford Bridge will be the proverbial ‘six-pointer’. The other games are all ‘winnable’ although difficult away games loom at Everton & Sunderland. That said, the prize will motivate everyone and I expect them to keep the 3rd spot."
Key Player?
"Extremely difficult to pick out one man in what has been a team success. The ‘spine’ of the team is strong with Friedel, King, Modric and Adebayor. The holding and link-up play of Scott Parker in midfield has restricted opposing teams attacking options and has been the springboard for many of Spurs' best attacking moves. The choice of key man, after a lot of careful thought, comes down to either Scott Modric or Luca Parker!"
ARSENAL
Predicted - 4th
Currently - 4th
One of the most up and down seasons in the club's history, at one stage the Londoners sat in lowly 17th position. Now they sit in 4th in a 5 way battle for the final Champions League spot. The 8-2 hammering at Old Trafford in August meant Wenger had no option but to splash out on replacements for the departed Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri - so he brought in Mikel Arteta, Yossi Benayoun, Park Chu-Young, Andre Santos and Per Mertesacker. Mertesacker and Arteta have been starters for the majority, while Santos has been injured a lot. Benayoun and Park have struggled to break into the team much this year while breakthrough teenager Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has become a fan favourite. They've got back into the race really well considering some results this seaosn, their 5-2 thrashing of rivals Spurs last month the highlight of their season. 4 points behind Tottenham with 11 games to go, I think they'll fall short of automatic qualification, but will hold on to 4th thank to the form of the superb Robin Van Persie.
FAN VIEW - Frankie Hobbs
Views On Season So Far?
"Back in August, I suggested Arsenal will regain top-four status for next season – and we are well on the way to do so. This season has been full of ups and downs, from the infamous 8-2 at Old Trafford, to the 5-2 humiliation of local rivals Tottenham Hostpur, it’s been a rollercoaster ride. But as we enter the business end of the season, the Gunners are emerging as favourites in the race for 4th place, and have made up 9 points in a week on third place. Since being captain, Robin Van Persie has installed a great team spirit that is really beginning to show through, and we seem to have a crop of young players that really want to play for the shirt. I hope we end up in fourth at least. The summer is a big one for Arsenal, and we need to go into that with Champions League status."
Key Player?
"Robin Van Persie has taken the season by storm, scoring 32 goals in all competitions so far – a simply remarkable feat. Sure, Arsenal may rely on him too much, but when the player keeps delivering, why should they stop supplying him. His fitness without doubt is key to whether we push for 3rd or fall out of the top 4."
CHELSEA
Predicted - 3rd
Currently - 5th
After a new manager was appointed in the summer, I predicted that Chelsea would push the two Manchester clubs most of the way in the race for the title, but would ultimately fall short. However, they've struggled for consistency throughout the entire campaign and currently sit in 5th place, a position that doesn't deceive how drab they've been all year. Juan Mata's moments of brilliance along with Frank Lampard's statement making have been a few of the bright moments all year, but after Andre Villas-Boas' sacking last week, Roberto Di Matteo has been left with the task of taking Chelsea into the Champions League for next year. Fernando Torres has continued to struggle, bagging just 4 goals this season while Daniel Sturridge has shone since returning from his loan at Bolton last year. With the foundations set in AVB's ways, I predict that Chelsea will miss out on Champions League football this year by the odd point, but will come back next year with a fury.
FAN VIEW - Chris Aleppo
Views On Season So Far?
"I am a Chelsea season ticket hold and I remember after the first home game with West Brom there seemed to be a lot of hope and belief from many Chelsea fans and that we all knew that the club was going through a transition period. We were just about to tie up the deal for Mata and at that time the Modric deal was still very much on the cards.
AVB’s inability to get the best out of Torres added to his strained relationship with senior players Lampard, Drogba and Ashley Cole meant some fans began to lose faith. Losing 7 games and 3 of them being at home in the Premier League just isn't good enough for Chelsea but I do feel sorry for AVB and feel the players have forced Roman's hand on this. Chelsea fans are used to the Bridge being a fortress and teams being scared to come and attack us and there just isn't that fear anymore. I'm very happy with Di Matteo getting the chance and him bringing in Newton is brilliant both are Chelsea through and through and hopefully will inject some much needed passion back into the team. Top 4 is the aim and it is definitely between Chelsea and Arsenal but I think it comes down to who makes the most mistakes rather than who actually deserves it. Both have been completely out of sorts this season and seem to be doing everything they can not to finish in the top 4."
Key Player?
"I think there are 3 key players during this run-in for Chelsea. Getting Terry back to full fitness is a must. We can all see how important he is to our defence and also as the leader for the team. I honestly think if he had been playing in the Man United game we wouldn’t have let them get back into it. Lampard and Drogba are the other two main men. If these two can rediscover their form, belief and passion I think we will just see a carbon copy of what happened after Scolari left."
LIVERPOOL
Predicted - 5th
Currently - 7th
Liverpool have been a fairly solid side this season, with one of the best defensive records in the league. However, up the other end of the pitch it's been a totally different story. They've scored just 30 goals this season, 8 less than 17th places Blackburn Rovers. That's been their main problem this year as they have the lowest chance conversion rate in the league. Luis Suarez has been scintilating in the build up to chances this year, but his lowly tally of just 6 league goals shows their problem. Andy Carroll hasn't got firing either so it's been left to free transfer Craig Bellamy to come up with the bulk of the goals this season. Their lack of goals is a huge issue that will have to be addressed in the summer, but for now I think their squad is stronger than that of 6th placed Newcastle's, so I think they'll pip the Geordies to the post once we reach the end of the season.
FAN VIEW - Danny Carter
Views On Season So Far?
"Overall I'd say our season has been poor by our standards and what is expected of us. Far too many draws have cost us. We've been lucky our defence has been one of the best in the league; otherwise we could be sitting much lower than we already are. The only real high-point of the season so far has to be the Carling Cup win, but if that’s all we win I won’t be happy. 4th is gone for us I think, unless the likes of Newcastle, Chelsea, Arsenal & Spurs all start messing up, so I'm hoping we can finish 5th. But in all honesty I think it'll probably be 6th."
Key Player?
"Normally I'd say Gerrard, and I wouldn't need to think but I'm leaning towards Suarez. If he can work on his finishing which will get us the goals, then I can see him being our main-man during this part of the season. Although, I can see the likes of Agger, Skrtel & Enrique being just as important, so overall it's pretty tough to call, but I'd go with Suarez."
RELEGATION SPOTS
Back in August, I predicted that Wigan, Norwich and Swansea would make the heart-breaking drop from the Premier League into the Championship. However, I've been pleasantly surprised by two of those 3 sides as they sit rather comfortably above the relegation zone. Norwich City and Swansea City have both proved that you don't need great funds to ensure Premier League survival after superb seasons for both of them so far. With 11 games to go, both look comfortably away from the relegation zone, but the danger is still there if they lose focus.
Norwich City are currently cruising in 11th position, 15 points clear of Wolves in 18th place. I predicted that if they were to have a chance of survival, that captain and talisman Grant Holt would have to do the business in the top flight. Despite not being a guaranteed starter this season the big striker has bagged 12 goals in all competitions including 10 in the league. His tally of twelve goals is the joint second most by an Englishman in the division along with Frank Lampard and Danny Graham. Only Wayne Rooney has scored more as an Englishman.
Swansea City currently sit in 14th place, 11 points clear of the drop zone. Their possession football has proved to be rather successful in the league as they hold a win over Arsenal at the Liberty City stadium along with draws against Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool throughout the season. I predicted Scott Sinclair would be their key man this year and his 7 goals have been a big help for the Welsh side. However he's been outshone by big centre forward Danny Graham who has 10 league goals this season from his lone striker role.
PREDICTION
I predicted Wigan to go down back in August and I stick by that prediction. They play nice football, but their players simply aren't good enough for this division and I can see them going down rock bottom. Victor Moses has been their best player by a mile this season and he'll no doubt be attracting attention from bigger clubs in the close season.
Wolves recently sacked Mick McCarthy after a 5-1 loss to West Bromwich Albion. They hired assistant Terry Connor as manager until the end of the season, and since then they've drawn 2-2 with Newcastle and lost 5-0 to Fulham. I can't see them getting many results at a time like this with an inexperienced manager, and despite the quality of their squad compared to their rivals, I think that will ultimately see them fall down into the Championship.
Blackburn Rovers have endured an absolutely crazy season this year. Somehow, despite all the terror and protests Steve Kean remains at the helm of the club and they currently sit in 17th place level on points with Wolves. Yakubu has kept them alive this year with 13 league goals, but his influence has declined somewhat in recent times. I can't see them staying up despite the squad they have. I sense big problems in their future.
