Just been comparing the positions and for what its worth , we do look set for a different outcome than the one that saw us scrape through in 2009 . Although we are only a point ahead AND City in 2009 do win their next game (Fulham) , we have conceded 3x fewer goals at home than in our first season at this stage . Away goals conceded is tied at this point and we do have fewer goals scored - http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/2008-2009/table/2009-03-01 Our Jan Window was massive this time around compared to 08/9 even if Manucho did spaz home a winner at Fulham The only player id have from that 2008/9 starting 11 would be Geovanni , i think he would have flourished more being allowed a freer role and a more assured defence Dawson would have fitted into the squad nice too . Sunderlands re-arranged fixtures could well put a hole in their race for survival too
I feel a lot more relaxed about staying up this time around, although i'll be a lot happier when we've got two more wins on the board.
We've now matched our 09/10 points total, and have bettered our 08/09 points at this stage of the season. Think our points total in 08/09 was 35, so could very well chalk that up and beat it against West Ham or Man City.
This season is already our BEST EVER BY FAR during our time in the PL. We now look and play like a PL club. With better match officials we would be 5/6 points better off. Points that we had at the time. We can without doubt finish 10th this season and with a good draw for the semi's of the FA cup make Wembley twice in one season. Steve Bruce will tweek the squad in the summer i have no doubt and make us a regular top 10 PL club.
With our next 3 PL games @ home we should be able to do that. Newcastle win - Man City draw & West Brom win.
From the 09 team i'd have Turner in with Chester and Davies in a back 3, Geo and Myhill would be on the bench but other than that I think i'd take the players from our squad now,perhaps mental Bernard in just for the craic....not sure if i'm looking at this team with rose tinted specs because it's current or what but it just feels like a much better all round team now with a much stronger squad
As well as Turner and Daws, I'd also have Ash in at the expense of Meyler. Thudd could still start play from the back - but he'd also have more licence to get forward with an Ash as minder.
I'd have Ashbee, Geovanni and Dawson (short of left backs) from the 08/09 team, and I'd also have Mendy as a player we could bring off the bench if we're clearly lacking pace in a game.
Would none of you have captain fantastic in the team? I agree Ash was not the most gifted footballer but without looking at stats i'd like to bet we won more with him than without him. He gave our midfield some bite. something we lack at times. Him in the middle with Hudd and Livermore either side? ****, didn't see above!
We had just about lost all momentum by now in our 1st Premier League Season and after that game with Fulham only took another 3 points! This time around the momentum is still with us and I am confident that we will surpass both the 35 point mark and the 17th place finish of 2008 /9.
