Relegation Predictions Revisited

In June, I posted some completely groundless relegation predictions for the 2007-2008 Premiership football season.

I knew I was going to have to revisit these fairly early in the new Premiership season, as some clubs strengthen and others - inexplicably - weaken themselves.

One club determined to do the latter seems to be Bolton Wanderers. With rumours of Anelka's departure gathering momentum and manager Sammy Lee's determination to sideline their other true talent - El Hadj Diouf - I'm beginning to think that Bolton for relegation is a good bet.

On the other hand, Fulham - who had struggled to bring in the players they wanted in the early part of the transfer window - are now looking a fairly solid outfit. The additions of Chris Baird, Steve Davis and David Healy to Lawrie Sanchez' squad seems to have already made a difference. So, despite my earlier prediction, no relegation for Fulham.

I still think Wigan are vulnerable and Derby are doomed, so my bottom three are:

Bolton
Wigan
Derby

I'm going to stick with that until the Premiership football season finishes, if that's OK with you lot.

How Many Mediocre Players Can One Team Buy?

How Many Mediocre Players Can One Team Buy?

Well, after the signing of Michael Brown, it appears that the answer currently stands at seven.

That, not in the least bit coincidentally, also happens to be the number of players Wigan have bought this summer:

Brown joins a role call of mediocrity that includes Titus Bramble, Antoine Sibierski, Mario Melchiot, Andreas Granqvist, Carlo Nash and Jason Koumas.

Fans of the Latics must be pulling their hair out each time a new signing is announced. They have my deepest sympathy. Last season was bad enough.

I'm tempted to predict relegation this time around.

Predictions for the 2007-2008 Season

Oh, I know it's way too early to be predicting things. After all, we don't even know which mugs are willing to pay 17 million quid for Darren Bent yet.

Nevertheless, it's a fun game to play and this is my blog, so I'm going to play it. I am, however, going to be more sensible than the guy I met in the pub a couple of days back who thought that Sunderland would finish top 6.

So, here's my top six in order:

1. Manchester United : they could do with a top class striker, but they managed OK last season without one, so expect them to win it again. Snore.

2. Chelsea: They seem to be only signing players on a free, like Ben Haim. This doesn't bode well for a sustained title challenge in 2007-2008.

3. Liverpool : They'll get a couple of players in, have a good run in Europe and, at the end of the season, be exactly where they were at the end of last season.

4. Tottenham: This is the season for Spurs to overtake their transfer-shy North London rivals. If Spurs keep pretty much all their current squad and add one or two new faces, then Champions League football could be theirs.

5. Arsenal: Yet another 'transitional' season for the Gunners. I don't think Henry is going to stay, but they did OK for most of last season without him, but 5th is about the best they can hope for if they can't get some experienced, quality players in.

6. Newcastle: Big Sam. A fit Michael Owen (presuming he stays). No Titus Bramble. It's looking promising for the Toon Army for once. They'll struggle to pull it together early in the season, but expect a strong late run for Big Sam's team.

In With An Outside Chance: Blackburn Rovers, Everton.

To Be Relegated:

Fulham: They don't have the quality. No one wants to go there (Koumas and Kamara from West Brom turned 'em down). Sanchez may be out of his depth.

Wigan: Chris Hutchings. Not a good appointment. Titus Bramble. Not a good signing. Emile Heskey upfront. It's back to the Championship for Wigan.

Derby: They don't have any money. They've got a good manager. But the players aren't great and they can't afford better ones. Straight back down for Derby.