Agreee, has to be. Get a big signing central defender with experience in the January transfer window, you'll finish mid table. Good luck
18th spot is a bit of a lottery (I think we know 19&20 the only argument is which way round) There are candidates up as far as West Ham.My gut feeling is Wigan but I would never rule out Martinez pulling it off again.
I thought when we got relegated, then relegated again, that it was the end of the world. As it transpired, I can`t remember enjoying two seasons more than I have the last two. Proper football, with no Ferrari`s, diamond earrings and over-inflated egos. Its QPR, Reading and Wigan for me.
I think it will be very close between Villa, Wigan, Saints, Sunderland and another team in the bottom half. I'm not saying QPR and Reading are down yet but if they continue as they are until the New Year then they've had it. If I had to hedge my bets I would go with: .................. Villa QPR Reading
If Newcastle can get in a good wide player or two, they'll be fine. Gutierrez has faded shockingly, and without sufficient width their strong play in the middle of the park can be taken away. As wide men with a bit of pace and a decent cross aren't the hardest thing to find, I'd expect them to add the pieces necessary to end up well clear of relegation...if they can fend off the vultures and keep the majority of their core.
Your next 5... Sunderland Fulham Stoke Arsenal Chelsea 4/5 points maximum. Best chance of a win is from us, of course you wont want to say your team will go but you,ll be in with a fighting chance with 3/4 others(we,ll probably be one of them) but i can confidently say we will be above you come May.