Then surely, we're a potential top 8 side too? Then surely a top 8 side is also a potential top 6 side and of course Europe isn't beyond us. The new team will need to gel and we've seen this be a problem in teams such as Man City and Spurs where it seems to take a few seasons to build the consistency to create a team capable of retaining a top-4-cum-top-6 spot. Last year the mags told us we had too many loanees and therefore lacked spirit, in particular a loyalty factor. If it were true, we ought not to have that problem this season and we have to start the old firm derby next month as clear favourites for all 3 points. Nothing is nailed on and both teams had a variety of displays last season: Sunderland beating Chelsea and Newcastle coming back from 4-0 down against Arsenal were amazing displays and a credit to both teams. Of course the mags did one on us last season, I concede to the ignominy of our away fixture and we were 2nd best in our 1-1 fluke at home, however, I asked my mag mate if he'd take a 100 quid bet over the 2 fixtures this coming season ...he declined. I then offered him a tenner on our home tie next fortnight, saying he can have the draw ...he declined Of course Europe is a pipe-dream, but at least this season I'm glad I'm a cat and not a magpie, above all, I can state with pleasure that we ought to finish above them even without any lucky last-day-of-the-season outcome
Wether we get there or not, I think privately our aim has to be 7th this season. There's some decent teams up there, but nothing outside the top 6 we should be afraid of IMO.
This. Bruce has said he doesn't see us breaking into the top 6 and I can understand why to be honest. 7, 8th, 9, would be progress and personally I'd be happy with any of those. It's all about stability, proving we belong up there, then moving on from that point! Good times at the mo!
I think the top 5 is nailed on (that is the top 5 from last season) but outside that it's anyones , we should be pushing to be the best of the rest. I think the season will pan out similar to last season in that the teams outside the "top 5 " will continue to take points from the top 5 " although I stated that the top 5 picks itself I think the gap between us and them is closer than ever.
IMO it all depends how fast the new look team gels - it's one thing to buy players but another thing to build a team out of them all. And this is SAFC after all - logic says we should finish in the top 10 - but we all know a kick in the nuts is often just around the corner ! After 45 years of supporting the Lads anything is possible ! I'm certainly not taking anything for granted !
It all depends on if we can keep the treatment room empty & If our forwards & Midfielders can gel and get some goals between them. if that happens a top 8 finish is possible
I like the new team i really do but i dont think we are as strong as last year because we have not replaced the goals of Bent. I really hope i am wrong but i think 10th will be as high as we can get without deffo a top striker and maybe a left winger too.
Any improvement on last year is good, think the middle section of the league is gonna be pretty tight this season. So it's looking bright and not gloomy. please log in to view this image
I think we're comfortably stronger than last season, even allowing for Bent leaving, goals from Gardner and Sess should almost neutralize this, and the delivery of Larsson, which has been a real feature pre-season, should see Gyan add an extra few as well. Key for me is the teams around us. Fulham have a small squad, the Europa may well effect their season. Villa despite Bents goals are significantly weaker without Downing and Young, they've also lost strnght in depth with people like Reo-Coker leaving, and for all that Given's a great signing, they haven't improved as such, as Friedel was already a top class keeper. Everton, again, a few injuries and they are struggling, a wonderful midfield, a s0-so strike force, they could easily be caught with a bit of luck. From below, the Toon, they could put up a challenge depending on how the newbies bed in, and i have a feeling WBA will have a good season, if Odemwingie can keep scoring, they have some very talented midfield players, will continue to leak goals. 8th is a realistic target, 7th is not impossible, and i think we'll finish 9th (which is ok with me). We MUST make an effort in the cups.
I don't think the top 5 is nailed on at all. I think the top 6 wil be a battle this year. I think Liverpool are a different beast this year and with no European football to concern themselves with they can concentrate solely on the league campaign. I think carroll and suarez could be a lethal combination and adding the creativity of adam and downing to their ranks I think they'll go close. They'll replace Arsenal in the top 4 imo. Chelsea are in a little transitional period with a new manager who's never managed in the prem be interesting to see how he copes when the going gets tough and the mind games from sir alex start, will he crumble and cost his team like rafa did at liverpool 3 seasons ago? I think chelseas season depends on which fernando torres turns up, if he's firing on all cylinders they'll have a fantastic season. Man Utd won the league last year almost out of habit, the habit of winning. They aren't as good as they have been in years gone by. It will be interesting to.see how quickly ashley young settles in. I think it will be a case of whoever finishes above man utd will win the league. Could this be Citys year? it will all come down to how they juggle the champions league campaign. I think the europa league is more taxing schedule wise and they know how to.do this now, they have the strongest squad depth wise. I think this.could be citys year. ill go for. Man City Man Utd Liverpool Chelsea Arsenal Spurs
Interesting way of looking at it, you Med-man disco-surfing muffdiver, how's the weather? -and while you're at it, throw us a tune. One of the newly promoted clubs often gets in the mix too. PS: http://www.footballandmusic.co.uk/the-12-days-of-sunderland/
I think it's getting much tighter at the top and middle, though the top 6 are hard to break through unless you can buy the Superteam like citeh.
Not a lot to choose between the two Manc clubs, but i fully expect the scousers to be amongst it somewhere. We're gone have a good go at the second bit of the league.
Hottest day of the year so far, proper melt you jewels off ****, and regarding tunes, i posted some yesterday my good man
I agree with BB as usual. I also agree with this top 6 Man City Man Utd Liverpool Chelsea Arsenal Spurs but 1 of those teams usually has a dodgy run or something happens (like Liverpool last year). You never know what might happen to one of the big 6, a bad run, sacked manager and you never know. Stranger things have happened.
If anyone was to fall from the 6, it'd surely be Spurs. I guess i'm not the only one who sees a few cracks appearing there? Still have a great squad of players mind, and an excellent manager, just seems maybe they ain't all pulling one way at the minute, maybe the focus on the ground is taking it's toll.
