Predictions before the start to a season can often be faulty as no one really knows how the new players would settle or will a club have problems with injuries, etc. Still, with half a season already gone, I felt the need to make some predictions about how the Premiership table will look at the end to the season.
Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United will be fighting for the title and these teams will occupy top three places. Liverpool played very well this season and they have been topping the table since the very start but the Reds have been showing some signs of slowing down and I don’t believe they can go all the way. Chelsea have a lot of problems this season, especially in the dressing room and that will significantly decrease their chances. The third place should not be in danger but that is probably a reality for Blues at this moment. Manchester United have started slowly but they are improving and with Scholes’ return everything will be much easier. Red Devils are very experienced team and I feel that their consistency will bring them another Premiership title.
Battle for the fourth place finish will be more interesting than ever as Aston Villa look determined to break into the Big Four. Martin O’Neill’s team has been very impressive this term but I feel that the lack of experience could be a big problem for Villans. Also, their key player Ashley Young could leave the club in January and that would significantly decrease their chances of finishing above Arsenal. Gunners have a lot of problems at the moment but they have more than enough quality and they will probably finish in fourth place. Aston Villa will be fifth, while Everton, Portsmouth and Tottenham should be just behind them.
The relegation fight will be one of the most interesting ones in recent history as almost half of the league will be battling for survival. Stoke and West Bromwich look destined to return to the Championship although these teams will have plenty of chances to save the season. However, the lack of experience will be a big problem and these two teams are favourites for the drop. Blackburn, Middlesbrough and Bolton will battle for survival and Rovers are in a very difficult position at the moment. Still, Sam Allardyce is an excellent manager and I feel that he will be able to save his team. Middlesbrough have been struggling throughout the season and their performances are even worse than the results. The club could sell Downing and Sanli in January and that could be the turning point of the season. Therefore, I think that Boro will be the third team to go down.
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The competition in this season is very tight. As what you have mentioned, almost half of the league are fighting to survive in premier league. Anyone can be relegated. The title competition is very tight too. Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United are the major competitor for the title. Arsenal and Aston Villa could be the title challenger if they can perform consistently. Very interesting and tight season. No one will be guaranteed to be a champion or relegated.