As the lucky few at the top of the Premier League table consider the title honor and European qualification, so the majority in the league have relegation as a more realistic, if unwanted, option. In this feature, we look at the likely candidates and now tell you that the teams relegated from the Premier League are coming in May 2011.
At the start of the season, there was a man in the world, only one in six billion or so, who thought Blackpool would survive the rigors of a Premier League exam and last for another (or maybe a third) season . That the ข่าวร้อนพรีเมียร์ was crazy Ian Holloway made his beliefs seem even more misplaced. Ian "rent-a-quote" Holloway, good for a laugh, did a decent job and was lucky last season ... but Premier League survival? No way.
But in the most unpredictable and downright insane Premier League season for years, we have Blackpool flying high in 10th place with games in hand that could move them to 6th place. Even more astonishing is the fact that they have only played eight of their 21 matches at home due to the cold winter and their outdated basic facilities. Is this the most amazing of the season? Probably. But what about Newcastle, who sit in 9th, Chelsea in 4th, Bolton pass their way to a Europa League place, Everton and Liverpool both in the bottom half and last but not least, Aston Villa are 17th, free from the relegation zone only by virtue of goal difference?
Oh yeah, this has been a fun old year for the fun old game. The relegation battle has been the same, tight, unpredictable and impossible to call. As it stands, the relegation spots are occupied by Wigan in the 18th, after which Wolves and West Ham support the league. But with only 10 points separating the Hammers in the last and Bolton, who is 7th, something can still happen.
Okay, let's look at the teams in trouble ...
Everpool - I group these two average Mersey pages and file them under "safe". Everton have the advantage in terms of staff and a more stable line-up off the field, but even Liverpool have too much to be in trouble. Do not waste your money on betting on any of these relegated from the Premier League in 2011.
Blackpool - Can occupy a place in the top half, may have games in hand, may have HOME games in hand, but not safe yet. As damage and fixtures pile up, the mandarins can be sucked into the danger of relegation. They still have to play Manchester United and Spurs twice - no point from these four would put a different skin color on the cases.
Blackburn - Another struggling Northwest club that has points on the board but who might be struggling. The manager does not convince, but they probably spend a few pounds in the window to ensure safety.
West Brom - The Baggies started the season in excellent form. Six games in September and October, they were unbeaten, drew with Spurs and Manchester United and beat Arsenal. They scored goals for fun and passed the ball like a football game in Arsenal and Brazil. Since November, however, they have lost nine out of 13 league games. Their next three home games are against Wigan, West Ham and Wolves, and if they get the same result they had against Blackpool - a win - in their last home game, they will be fine. Their home form is strong, so we say the Baggies are NOT relegated this season.
Fulham - Hughes is too good a manager and too determined for Fulham to go down. With Andy Johnson back to fitness and scoring, they will have enough quality with Dempsey, Hangeland and returning Bobby Zamora to turn their moves into draw-escaping victories.
Birmingham City - One of the surprise teams last season when they beat 1-0 victories just like the old Arsenal, Birmingham have fought this season. They have drawn too many games like Fulham, but like Fulham, their goal difference gives them an extra point over their relegation rivals, and this as well as their solid defense will see them secure.
Aston Villa - Signature of Darren Bent for £ 18m Shows their intentions. Will probably pick up another player or two in the window and with the experienced Houllier on the realm they will be fine.
Wigan - Sorry pie-eaters, Wigan are relegated from the Premier League. They have the least effective attack in the league for all of Martinez 'passing ideals and are leaky at the back. The team has lost key players in recent seasons and has not replaced them and they do not have a backbone, gravel or heart for the match.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.