Don't forget West Brom and Hull. One of those two, or Sunderland, won't make it to 38. We're just two wins off the Premier League boys. Remember how happy we were when the same was true after that 3-2 win over Derby? Alright, Portsmouth and Coventry was a slightly different proposition but if we, the supporters, don't even slightly believe then who will?
The punters didn't give us a chance in first Premier League season back in 1992. We faced Arsenal then Chelsea in our first games and beat them. Now we've got to do it again...simple as that.
Has to be two wins for us then West Brom playing Sunderland gives hope. Hull also have their minds elsewhere so could lose their last two. Arsenal vs West Brom - I'm optimistic Arsenal will win Man U vs Hull - I'm optimistic Man U will win Sunderland vs West Brom - I know one or both teams will get a max of 1 point from this game. Hull vs Everton - I'm optimistic that Everton will win West Brom vs Stoke - I'm optimistic that Stoke will win. 3 points at Chelsea today and it's game on.
If Chelsea beat Cardiff next week - Norwich City cannot end up in last place (assuming we get our annual humping at the Bridge later today)
I just hope our defence doesn't go out there today with their shorts already around their ankles ! This has got to be the stand out performance of the season or we're ****ed !
I know ts is the optimist thread but I can't wait for this crappy season the end, whatever division we end up in. It has been the worst season I can remember for a long time, not just because of the threat of relegation from day one and the fear. The performances have just gone down hill this season and it has frankly been painfull and even embarrassing to watch at times. This was summed up by RVW laying off to no one at Fulham. So here's to the next season and hope that we turn into a side that is decent to watch again because this is more important to me than what league we are in. I'm not a massive fan of Malky but when he was at Watford they did play some good stuff and just fell short if I remember correctly. He does know how to do it in the championship, his promotion with Cardiff proves it. I am sick and tired of the premier league for the moment, there is so much pressure it's ridiculous at times.
This, unfortunately, comes back to what was being discussed in the early part of the season. Do we want 'average' football and promotion, or pretty attacking stuff, and take our chances with someone with a bolder outlook on the game. Malky's Cardiff side in the Championship, while effective, were far from pretty.
Given the choice I would prefer someone who could bring a "style" of play to NCFC but I don't think the board will be interested in that. For me Laudrup or Clarke, but I'm not too sure. Problem is with lambert everything happened so fast we didn't really have time to develop a playing style, it's was counter attacking football based on the manager getting the best out of some pretty average players. It was built a lot on team spirit.
Even if we do win today and I very much doubt we will, Sunderland have 2 easy home games they will win. On the plus side, I no longer have to watch MOTD (I kind of stopped anyway) and the Championship will be more entertaining with better football.
To be fair I forgot about West Brom and it's possible for them to lose both of their games, but we need 6 points. I can't see us beating Chelsea or Arsenal though.
Sunderland may fancy winning their two home games. However, with around £1m per place, West Brom and Swansea will want to finish on a high with the pressure off them. We went to Man City on the last day and finished around £4m better off.
Surely an optimist thinks it is possible to overturn a 17 goal deficit. Keep it open at least until the bearded lady stops singing.
