Newcastle:
What I Said Then:
Back in July, with the preseason form not great, I had said I expected another tough season for Newcastle fans with the side spending the season at the wrong end of the table with more action in the stands than on the pitch. I also said that they would be in real danger of going down this season.
Where Are They Currently?
Only four wins from the opening twenty games see’s Steve McLarens side right where I thought they would be, at the wrong end of the table. With the exception of Aston Villa and Swansea, Newcastle have scored the least amount of goals in the League while conceding the third most.
They have lost the last three games and tied to Villa in the game before those. It certainly doesn’t bode well for the second half of the season and the wish of Newcastle fans that I might be wrong.
Norwich:
What I Said Then:
I was confident that my hometown team would not be in that relegation mix this season. I thought the mix of new faces was good and not too many and be a disruption to the side. I had said that Norwich would get to the 50 plus point mark come seasons end and, while that may not be realistic on current form, it certainly isn’t beyond possible.
Where Are They Currently?
Three wins from the last four games have seen Norwich get some breathing space from the bottom three. If they continue their points to game ratio then 44 points is not too far off my prediction. This weekend the FA Cup gets underway for the Premiership sides with Norwich hosting Manchester City and it’s a win-win situation for the Canaries. Defeat City and it gives the whole side a lift, while defeat sees them bow out of the competition with heads held high (barring a crazy score line) and the ability to concentrate on the League.
Southampton:
What I Said Then:
I didn’t think the Saints would do as well as they did last season. I cited the dreaded Europa League competition as the reason for that and, just the fact Southampton had a fantastic run last term.
Where Are They Currently?
Currently thirteenth in the Premier League and closer to the bottom three than they are the top five at the moment. However, there seems to be rumblings and player unrest behind the scenes which does have the chance to be resolved in the January window. No European commitments in the new year means that Ronald Koeman can now focus on getting the side up the League table and collect as many points as they can after resolving any player issues.
Stoke:
What I Said Then:
I thought the purchases made during the close season were not up to par and that the side would struggle in this campaign. I thought they could probably be at the wrong end of the table for most of the season before ending up at the top part of the bottom half of the table.
Where Are They Currently?
In tenth position, Mark Hughes has done very well this season so far with Stoke. Twelve points above the relegation zone, my prediction looks off as far as struggling goes. Add to the mix a Semi Final date with Liverpool in the Capital One Cup and the Potters have the potential to make this season one to remember.
Sunderland:
What I Said Then:
I thought Dick Advocaat, the then manager, would push the side on from last season’s relegation battle and even considered a midtable finish this season, possibly as high as ninth!
Where Are They Currently?
Dick Advocaat left Sunderland as he found them, bobbing at the bottom of the League. Now Sam Allardyce is in charge and little has improved from last season with survival not guaranteed, never mind a top ten finish. January will certainly be a big month for the Black Cats and the fact that Big Sam has been here before, many times, may prove to be one of the best signings for them.
Jason is a Freelance Soccer Writer. You can follow him on Twitter @PACityboy and www.facebook.com/jasonbardwell1979
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