Our Run In (Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Premier League)

[It's Character Forming 1,204]

Being encouraged to enjoy the run in - which I agree with - I thought I''d have a look.  It breaks down nicely into two sets of 6 games.

 

Coming up first we''re playing four mid-table teams, plus Wigan and Wolves at home.  In the first half we suffered one defeat to these teams (Stoke) and the rest were draws except for beating Newcastle.  It''s good to see that only Newcastle of the 6 are above us.

 

I hope and expect we''ll do better in the repeat fixtures.  We should have no fear for any of the games.  Stoke, Newcastle and Fulham away will be tough (yes I know there are no easy games....) and Everton can turn in a good performance, and Wigan/Wolves can still win any game - but we are capable of drawing or winning every one of these.

 

My guess is that the 6 games will be a couple of wins, 3 draws and a defeat, 9 points putting us on a very comfortable 44 points.

 

Then our final 6 includes 3 of the top 4, with Spurs & Arsenal away and ManC at home... all beat us first time so nothing can be expected, although I hope we''ll get at least one win over a top 4 side this season in which case it''s got to be one of these !

 

The other games though are Blackburn away  , the inconsistent Liverpool at home, and our final home game vs Villa when the chances are neither side will have much to play for except possibly the cash from going up a place.  Anything could happen on all 3 games.

 

Hard to call but 4 points from these 6 games would be an acceptable outcome, we could get a few more with some breaks and if PL keeps up the motivation.  So I''m guessing we''ll end up at 50 points give or take.

 

Also as an exile I''m pleased to say that I should be able to get to 6 games in person plus another 3 on Sky.

 

What do people think ?

[BroadstairsR 2,273]

The next six games seem to be a relatively easy run and, although nothing should be taken for granted, I expect us to pass the psychologically significant 40 points with some ease. I feel we are already safe now though.

 

The remainder will depend on the motivation behind the teams we are playing. Top-six sides (eg. Man. City) and relegation threatened sides (eg. Blackburn) have more to play for at the dog-end of the season, whereas we will have less. I would hope we remain focussed however because, every place at the end is well-rewarded. I feel that the incentive is to hold our present position, as I do not realistically expect us to overhaul Liverpool or Newcastle.

 

Maintaining our spot in the Leagues has become our priority.