What do you think about the teams coming down from the Premiership? Any 2 of 5 will be playing us next year and potentially challenging us for the the auto spots. Wigan Blackpool Birmingham Wolves Blackburn Firstly, it seems Blackpool and Wigan have it all to do and I don't fancy them to get the results they need, despite Birmingham having arguably the most difficult game, with opponents Spurs having something to play for. They are both quite small Clubs and I'm surprised to learn that a lot of people think they will both be in with a great chance of the autos. With depleated attendances and the departure of their star players I think both will struggle and finish midtable. Wigan have been up there for a few years and I think they'll find adapting to the Championship again difficult. Blackpool are still living off the euphoria of last season and are one hit wonders IMO. Small Clubs with small attendances (especially when they have empty grounds a la Wigan) rarely bounce back straight away. I'd expect Birmingham to fair a little better, they have been yo-yoing for a while now and won't be hit too hard. Similarly with Wolves, Mick McCarthy knows this League and they are a squad full of mainly good Championship players as opposed to mercenaries. Blackburn have a bit of cash so you'd expect them to do well, but again, with dropping attendances and the fact they've not been in the Championship for quite a few years, I'm not too sure. So I think it's in our best interests that Wigan and Blackpool come down. As for West Ham, I know they're looking a bit of a train wreck at the moment, but that's what everyone said about Newcastle. I don't expect them to quite do what they did but I think if they appoint the right man (O'Neill?) then they will be there or thereabouts. As for teams coming up, everyone fancies Southampton, though I think they'll be more of a Leeds/Millwall than Norwich. They won't struggle though. Brighton will be OK but won't be a threat for promotion. The play-off winners will struggle though IMO. Also wondered who else you think will be up near the top? Cardiff are skint and will be midtable but I think Forest will do well sadly. Maybe a cheeky play-off place for Hull too. Interestingly no one seems to fancy us. I'm not sure whether people don't rate Sven or are just unaware of the finances we have. Only time and transfers will tell though... Thoughts?
If Blackpool come down Adam will go. Wigan will lose N'Zogbia, West Ham will lose Scott Parker and so on. They are going to be weaker then they are now while we are going to be stronger
West Ham will lose Parker, Green, and Upson at least. having said that they will still be there or thereabouts. For us Foxes it would be best if Blackpool and either Wigan or Wolves dropped down. Make that Wigan for me.
...just like Blackpool to survive as they play and beat a weakened Manu, it's stuff for the history books and a question for the pub quiz nights in a few years time...
The current bottom three will get relegated. Do you think that Man Utd will step of the gas that much as to lose a home game against Blackpool when they are about to parade their first trophy of the season? Nah, Sir Alex is too stubborn and Man Utd will win at a canter, 2-0
I hope you're right, but I remember the Hull game a couple of seasons ago when Man U had won the title and Hull were in a relegation battle. Man U did beat Hull even though Hull stayed up and Newcastle went down, but Fergie did play a weakened team that day. I just have a funny feeling Blackpool will really go for it and win now. Can see Birmingham or Blackburn going. Hope not though. On a similar note, Sky just summed themselves up on SSN - interviewing a Wolves 'fan' about their survival predicament, who said 'I really hope Wolves stay up because it's the only way I'll be able to see Man U, Chelsea and Liverpool'.
Disagree about Brighton - think they will do well next year and push for the playoffs. No doubt Florist and Cardiff will be there or thereabouts. Southampton have the finance to push on as well. Nigel Pearson will have anther pre-season to bring in the players that he wants (inc Jack Hobbs ?). Personally think that West Ham may struggle - depends how much Gold and Brady and co are prepared to invest financially. Losers of the play-off final will also be a threat. If Huddersfield win their play-off then they could surprise a few. It aint going to be easy next season but it will be exciting. Expecting it to be an even closer race for the top 6 than this season. Season tickets bought and paid for - bring it on !
I wonder if Poyet will be snapped up by someone. If he isn't I think they'll be OK. I can't see them in the play-offs though.
I would have prefered it if wolves had come down rather than Birmingham, i think they are more likely to yo-yo back up, i can't see how we are favorites at the bookies tbh.
I suppose it all depends on the relegated teams keeping their players, Birmingham would be my favourites to go back up but Blackpool and West Ham may lose a lot of players.
