Swansea:
What I Said Then:
I said it would be a blessing in disguise that the Swans had missed out on European football last season with the side able to concentrate on improving their league position this season.
Where Are They Currently?
Only two points above the relegation zone and one win in the last ten is not where I expected the side to be. The dismissal of Garry Monk was inevitable considering the start the side had but it hasn’t done anything to improve their fortunes on the pitch. Rather than using this season to push on from last it has simply become a case of survival.
Tottenham:
What I Said Then:
I expressed concerns that Tottenham would not do as well as they did last season although I did say that they would finish in a European place once more. I expressed concern that Harry Kane may not be able to step to that next level this season and become the striker he was toward the end of last season.
Where Are They Currently?
Spurs are currently fourth and, if it wasn’t for their European commitments this season, could be higher and pushing for a title. Meanwhile Harry Kane has scored eleven of Tottenham’s thirty four league goals this season and so I think those questions I had have been answered.
Still in the Europa League though and that, I think, will hinder their push up to that next level.
Watford:
What I Said Then:
I was concerned about the revolving doors last season at Watford and expressed my concern that maybe Enrique Sanchez Flores could be the first manager to lose his job. Predictions of a struggle season and a final relegation were made with extreme confidence.
Where Are They Currently?
If it wasn’t for Leicester City then Watford would be getting more attention for just how good they are doing this season. Currently ninth with twenty nine points the Hornets have had a great start to their first season since promotion. Although they could still be relegated if they have a sudden drop in form I do not foresee that and I think you’d have to say I got this one wrong on almost every level.
West Brom:
What I Said Then:
Tony Pulis and the Baggies are a great match for each other and both are mid table regulars, and happy with that position. I suggested that mid table again would be the final position with safety guaranteed with half a dozen games to go.
Where Are They Currently?
Nine points ahead of the relegation zone and occupying twelfth position it seems they are right on par with my prediction. Another ten points should be enough to see them safe and who would bet on safety being secured at the end of February when his former employers visit the Hawthorns.
West Ham:
What I Said Then:
Not going to do much in the Europa League and will be around the same position come seasons end as they were last season. Transition period? European distractions? Maybe a bit of both.
Where Are They Currently?
The Europa campaign finished before it really began with a 4-3 aggregate score line against Astra Giurgiu back in August. At the time it was looked at as a massive failure but considering the side is now sixth in the Premier League, maybe it was a blessing in disguise for Bilic and the Hammers.
Currently in sixth position West Ham are looking good and are only fifteen points behind last years end of season total. Although, to be fair, they right on par with last seasons total at this stage as Big Sam had the Hammers on thirty three points from twenty one games, today’s table sees them on thirty two from twenty games.
Jason is a Freelance Soccer Writer. You can follow him on Twitter @PACityboy and www.facebook.com/jasonbardwell1979
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