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So, basically, it's never too early to start cheering against Man U/Liverpool/Everton/Spurs slip-ups.
Good post. You obviously devoted a bit of time to that bit of info. As to cheering us on and the slips up of others, surely it's standard practice when it indirectly affects us, ie. every game.
I like to see it like this. From day one there are the usual suspects who'll challenge for leading positions. The ideal is that they lose against lowlier opposition and draw when they play each other. If that can happen throughout the season then Saints can take care of themselves. In short, I do what you suggest above as a default.
Then there is the reality. On the whole, better teams tend to win over inferior teams. We know this. This season, the usual suspects/better teams, are not quite having it their own way. Good. It makes the Premier League less predictable, more exciting and competitive.