Premier League Predictions pt 4

Premier League Predictions

At the start of the season I made some predictions regarding the season, as we approach the business time of the season, over a third of the way in, it seems a good time to check in on my predictions.

Sunderland

They have had a mixed season, the 8-0 drubbing by Southampton, is undoubtedly the lowlight, but the got results against Newcastle and Manchester United.

Their biggest concern is up front, as predicted coming into the season, indeed Adam Johnson is their top scorer on 5 goals.

They will be fighting relegation again, I predicted 14th, I think they could be a little bit lower.

Swansea

I wasn't convinced by Garry Monk, but I am now. They lost Michu, Vorm and De Guzman, but Bony and Sigurdsson have been outstanding.

They need to keep Bony, Sigurdsson and Williams. Bony will go to the African Cup of nations, but Gomis should deputise.

Predicted 15th, I think they will be top 8.

Tottenham

A sluggish start, but they've built on it, and they are starting to pick up some traction.

They've been reliant on Harry Kane, but he has produced, and with Chadli and Eriksen they have good attacking options. Defensively they are still weak, but Hugo Lloris is a one man wall in goal.

Predicted 6th, seems about right.

West Bromwich Albion

I wasn't convinced by Alan Irvine's appointment as it was a big step up for him. Unfortunately, he didn't convince the board either and he was sacked (placed on gardening leave). Tony Pulis should keep WBA up, Berahino and Sessegnon provide a solid attacking platform, and Foster and Lescott provide resilience in goal and at the back.

Predicted 18th, I think they will stay up and finish 14th.

West Ham United

Big Sam was under heavy pressure at the start of the season, not just for results, but for better football also.

Both have come, thanks to a solid base of Winston Reid and James Tomkins, and some good acquistions up front of Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia. Stewart Downing has been revitalised in a playmaker role and West Ham are riding high.

Predicted 11th, I think they will drop from their high place at the moment so I will keep them at 11.

My original Predicted table:-

Position	Club
1	Chelsea
2	Manchester City
3	Arsenal
4	Manchester United
5	Liverpool
6	Tottenham Hotspur
7	Everton
8	Newcastle
9	Crystal Palace
10	Stoke City
11	West Ham United
12	Southampton
13	QPR
14	Sunderland
15	Swansea
16	Hull City
17	Aston Villa
18	West Bromwich Albion
19	Leicester City
20	Burnley

Premier League Predictions Review pt 3

Premier League Predictions

At the start of the season I made some predictions regarding the season, as we approach the business time of the season, over a third of the way in, it seems a good time to check in on my predictions.

Manchester United
Man United's first season under Louis Van Gaal was never going to be plain sailing, and they endured a tough start to the season, with a depleted defence, losing to MK Dons and Leicester.

However overall United have done well, and with a potent attacking force in Rooney, Van Persie, Falcao, Mata and Di Maria, champions league football should be returning to Old Trafford next season.

They will finish top 4.

Newcastle United
A tough start put Alan Pardew's job in jeopardy, but a run of 6 wins, saw them rocket up the table.

I predicted 8th, but I think they will finish lower, as their signings, e.g. Cabella and Riviere haven't performed to the standard I expected, and they will lose players in January and not strengthen.

QPR
Defence has been a big issue for QPR, they have conceded the most in the league, this is compounded by a lack of fire power up front, with Charlie Austin scoring over half of their goals. They need to keep Austin and find another goalscoring threat.

I predicted 13th, but 17th is more likely.

Southampton 
I predicted they would have a good start, with their new signings and Koeman as manager, as well as the easier fixture list. Games are getting tougher now, but the Saints keep marching on.

I predicted 12th, but I think they will be in the top 6.

Stoke City
They have been up and down all season, and have struggled to record back-to-back wins.

However, they are always a threat and have taken points off of all the top clubs bar Chelsea.

Crouch and Krkic (Bojan) have formed a good partnership, and Diouf has used his pace on the counter attack to good effect.

I predicted 10th, I believe they are a top half club, so 9th or 10th sounds about right.