JG2 - if you look at the OP, I said "let's just have a look at the first half of the season up till the New Year". It was about the relative positions we would be in at the half way point and the attitude of the respective owners to it and our managers at the opening of the January transfer window.
You've had a few good results lately that have brought you way above my suggestion that you'd be a bottom 6 candidate by then, but equally I was told in no uncertain terms by a few on here that no way were we a "top 6 club".
Despite the results of the last 3 games for each of us, I stand by my contention we'll be in the top 6, but if you replicate your recent form, I'm coming around to the idea that you might escape the bottom 6 category I suggested in the OP.
Not the 38 games to go till then as you suggest, just another 17 will take us up to the January window opening - let's see what happens.
Predictions can make fools of us all - plenty of time for us to plummet into the bottom 6 and Cardiff out of the top 6!
We ourselves made a good start last season, only for it to fall to pieces in spectacular fashion (starting with our 2-1 defeat in Cardiff - NW's first game I think!), so there's certainly an air of caution, but at the same time, it does feel as though we're better prepared this time. The squad's a good size i.e. healthy competition for places/cover for injuries, and there are quite a few players in good form.
I would never underestimate Cardiff's ability, particularly under Warnock, but I was surprised with the extent of your blistering start. The last three games have set you back slightly, but the late goals against Fulham and Sheffield Wednesday is typical of the grit of Warnock teams, and those two extra points that could easily have passed you by could be invaluable - I think the PNE game can be written off as 'one of those days'.
This'll make a long post, but here are my thoughts as of today regarding both our sets of fixtures, starting with Cardiff:
Sunderland: I think you guys are playing them at a good time - I think they'll get their act together at some point, but currently they still seem a bit punch-drunk from their dismal relegation, so likely win for you.
Leeds: They're seemingly in the promotion race this year, so that's likely to be a humdinger and a real indication of your credentials - draw maybe?
Derby: Depend on which version turns up (we faced the slow, flat-footed version!).
Birmingham: Could be very interesting, depending on who's appointed. It's far enough away that the new man will have enough time to get his message across, but not so much to allow much analysis by your scouts. Don't be surprised if it's Steve Cotterill!
Middlesbrough: Slightly underwhelming, given they were favourites at the start of the season, but a tough test at the Riverside for anyone - any point earned for visitors is a bonus.
Millwall: Underestimated, due to being one of the promoted teams. Results haven't matched their performances, until they beat Leeds recently - this may be a lot tougher than you'd expect.
Ipswich: They've made a good start, but I expect that to peter out soon. I just don't think they have the depth to maintain their form for the long term and even by the end of October I expect results to be harder for them to come by, so one of the games I'd put money on you winning.
Bristol City: Well... who knows? At this stage I'll say we'll have a good first half and take the lead, then fade, then Sol f***ing Bamba to score a late equaliser and then panic stations at the end. Could be a particularly exciting derby this year.
Brentford: A good footballing side, but lost their previous star player Jota to Birmingham, so it could be that they're in for a tough season. They do have a rather tasty young forward Ollie Watkins (who turned us down) who seems a real talent, so maybe they already have their replacement.
Barnsley: Barnsley seem to have a Rocky Balboa style ability to survive when the odds are against them. I expect Cardiff to be savvy enough to win, but, like Millwall, this might be trickier than you'd expect.
Nottingham Forest: I don't think they'll be involved in the relegation fight like last season, but I'm not yet convinced they have what it takes for the top 6. Being at the County Ground might be enough for them to earn a point off you.
Norwich. A poor start, but they've recorded several clean sheets in a row now, so could be they're getting their act together. Not likely enough to earn points in Cardiff though.
Reading: One of the hardest to predict, but I'd suggest they'll have 70% or so possession and you lot win 1-0, with Stam complaining about that fact whilst Warnock laughs.
Hull: Another hard one to judge - they'll either be terrible and you'll win comfortably, or decent but you still you squeak by.
Bolton: They're better than Rotherham were last season, but if they avoid relegation, it'd surprise me. 3 points to you.
Fulham: I think they'll be up for this after you 'mugged' them of two points. A real battle and another draw methinks.
Preston: Your bogey team! I think you'll have too much desire to right the wrongs of the reverse fixture for them to keep you out, but they are genuinely a good team, under a manager with something to prove. A narrow win, but easily could be a draw.
...I reckon you'll earn in the region of 30 - 35 points, so a total of 47-52, which at that stage would likely be well in the playoff spots, maybe even top two. I'll do ours in another post...
