How many points do you realistically expect us to get? And where will we end up? I'm not saying we're going to destroy every team that we play because we drew at the emirates, I just think that hopefull we've been through the worst of our slump and things will pick up again. I'm going for around the 54 point mark with a nice top 8 finish. I think on paper we have a better side than a lot of teams in the league and combine that with our organisation today we should finish well. Considering we've finished 15th, 16th and 14th in the last few seasons (or thereabouts) and to finish in the top 8 with the injury list we've had would be excellent. KTF
Yesterday’s game was a great start in turning the corner – If we continue to pick up some priceless clean sheets, we could very well finish around the 54~57 point mark. Agree with you on a very valid point Mr-SAFC to finish in the top 8 with the injury list we've had would be excellent.
Still think 6th possible. I honestly believe at this moment, and when on form & injury free, we are the best team outside of the top 5. Would still be delighted with a top 10 finish tho.
If I knew for definite where we would finish I would be looking forward to picking up huge wadges of cash off the bookies, unfortunately I don't. My target was to narrow the points gap between us and the 8th placed side. Last year we ended in 13th on 44 points, this year we are currently sitting in 8th with 38 points and 9 games to go, so unless we totally fall apart ......... Of the 9 remaining, 5 are at home, and given that maybe a haul of 10 points is realistic, 4 away (Citeh, B'ham, Bolton and WHU) and maybe 4/5 points? If so, then 14/15 from the 9 games and a finishing total of 52/53. This COULD put us somewhere between 6th and 8th, and if so my target MORE than met. KTF
I have not done the maths but believe given where we now lie, players coming back into fitness, and our run in that we should finish at least in 8th. I wrote an article on winning mentality yesterday or the day before, and think our mentality not our calculators will give us the answer to your question. Time for us to drop the typical Sunderland default we've used for years and believe in the manager and squad, and for them to believe in themselves. The sky (top 6) will then ultimately be the limit, we have all the building blocks in place now in my opinion.
Going for a 10th place finish with about 48 to 50 points. It's going to be very close between 10th and 6th with about 5 points separating those 5 teams. Still a top ten finish so happy with that.
Been there done that and got several T shirts mate. SAFC will always shoot themselves in the foot with something or other that's why I went for a more than respectable 10th place finish. We are still improving which is the main thing and with a few additions next season I'll be happy with one place above where we do eventually finish. Most our last 6 or 7 games are against the teams who are down in the dogfight at the bottom end so they'll be fighting for their lives that's my only worry.
The liverpool game will tell a story where we could possibley finnish . I just hope we finninsh above Liverpool because I have a bet on with a scouser that we will do that . If my bet pays of we will have had a very good season.
At the beginning of the season I would have settled for a top 10 place , and to finish above the Mugs. I reckon thats acheivable from where we are now.
Talc - I reckon that's a little pessimistic (even for us diehards who've been let down before, and before, and before.....) but only 10 - 12 points from 9 games - 5 at home??? We've got players coming back and had a definite slump, so with a bit of confidence in our hearts...who knows. For me a few more points and def in the top 8. KTF
Fair enough where do you see us getting the points from mate? After Liverpool and City where at best we can get 1 point that leaves games against the bottom 5 and Bolton not exactly a walk in the park. We have Wigan and West Brom at SOL so should be max points there West Ham away as the last game probably a draw depending on where the Hammers are. The other away games going for 1 point never do well at Brum and I think Bolton will nick it. That leaves Wolves up here again depends on where they are as to the result so will stick with 10th on 48. Believe me I hope I'm wrong and we beat everyone to finish 5th or 6th but just can't see it.
If I take the home games first? Pool are dodgy, seem to have a good game and then a bad one, so I am very optimistic here a big W from this, WBA with Hodgson are competent and a W here, Wigan aren't bad but they have a way of losing so a W here, Fulham is tough and I'll be happy with a point and Wolves will be up for it big for MicMac so a point? That makes 3 wins and a draws/losses, 9 - 11 points?? Citeh are the same as Pool and they have been very unpredictable at home so prob nothing but a chance I reckon. Brum are on the down so a win, Bolton tough, nowt? WHU look as if they may be safe, last game of the season and we COULD be going for an outside chance for Europe, 1 point, 4 -6 points. Together a range of 13 - 17 doesn't look out of the question?? Love it when we can pontificate..... lol
13 to 17 points mate very optimistic. Last week I thought maybe around that mark if I'm honest but, after seeing us give up the ghost at Everton and watching the bottom clubs do well I decided to err on the side of caution. A small glimmer of hope from yesterdays game with an improved performance from all concerned but you got to admit the defence is still jittery hopefully SB can iron out that little problem.
Talc, it may be optimistic, but if we take this season, the avg pts per home game = 1.64 and avg pts per away game = 1, then the sum of (1.64 x 5 + 1 x 4) then 12.2. Not too far away from 13 at the bottom end of my thoughts and the home games are against lower placed teams so, maybe?? I can understand why you're not getting carried away but just this seasons avg's give us hope at least?
Amazing how a good point against Arsenal has raised all our spirits. I still think we need to see more of our injured returning to action if we are to get back to good form. Most of the teams we have to play will not pass the ball around our eighteen yard box looking for an opening like Arsenal but will go more direct. I'm not convinced we have the power to deal with that more direct style of play until Catts, Turner and Ned are back playing. Thoughts?
With 9 games to go, average form of win 3, draw 3, lose 3, will give us a comfortable 50 points. For me that would be a highly satisfactory season albeit with a feeling of what might have been. Then, pushing on next year (hopefully) with further progress.
