Ultimate League

Positions have been calculated from teams’ average season-ending positions over the last 50 years.

Only teams that have appeared in the top four English leagues for at least 15 seasons since 1964/65 have been included – although any ventures into non-league are also reflected.

Liverpool emerged top of the 90-team pile after recording a remarkable average finishing position of 3.3 over the past half-century. Rivals Manchester United and Arsenal complete the top three.

However, the Ultimate League also highlights which clubs are currently overachieving compared with their historical average position.

Swansea are the biggest overachievers – their current position of eighth in the Premier League is 47 places above where they are ranked using the 50-year average.

Championship title-chasers Bournemouth are the second-biggest overachievers, currently sitting 40 places above their average, but Portsmouth (-50) and Stockport County (-49) are well below their typical level.

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Current promotion chasers Middlesbrough would be crowned Championship winners if the Ultimate League was divided into the current four divisions. QPR, Blackburn,Stoke, Birmingham and Wolves are also among the leading sides just outside of the top 20.



According to the average positions, Steve Cotterill’s Bristol City, who sealed promotion to the Championship last week, belong in England’s second tier league as they are 37th in the Ultimate League, while Sheffield Wednesday just get the bragging rights over local rivals Sheffield United.



Blackpool’s current place at the foot of the Championship is a fair reflection of their average position over the past 50 years, but current Premier League side Burnley are punching above their weight right now – typically they are ranked 36th in England.

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http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/9817599?