Sunday, February 1, 2009

The Remaining Schedule

So with our loss yesterday, we have 24 points through 24 games, not exactly lighting up the league. We have some big remaining matches coming up, and I thought I would put in my two cents about what the result could/should be. I'm leaving out the UEFA Cup, it'd be good to do well in it, and the Carling Cup as well, but I just want us to remain in the League. Let me know what you think about these games.

2/8- Arsenal- Played at home, and we all know how exciting the first match was. A definite point is needed, and 3 would be really nice.
Result: Draw

2/23- Hull City- Hull's good form from the beginning of the season is beginning to wane, and these are the matches that we need to take points from. Even though we aren't a good away side, we need at least a point, we can't get all our results at home.
Result: Draw

3/4- Middlesborough- Southgate's side are struggling, and even with Downing staying with the club, I fully expect them to go down. The first game between the clubs set us off on the struggle of a season, but redemption is at hand.
Result: Win

3/15- Aston Villa- Probably the surprise of the year for me, O'Neil has a good squad. With this being an away match, I would love to say we can get a point, but honestly, I don't see us winning this one.
Result: Loss

3/21- Chelsea- Our first point of the season came against the Blues, and they will be coming to the Lane for this match. We have played up to the competition this season, a win against Liverpool, and draws against Arsenal, Chelsea and Man United, so I think this might be a pleasant surprise.
Result: Draw

4/4- Blackburn Rovers- Another struggling side, Allardyce has made some improvements in the squad since he took over, but they are still sitting near the bottom of the table. This is the type of game where we will go in expecting a win, and the team will forget how to play football. We'll be lucky to get a draw, though a win here would be a big relief.
Result: Draw

4/11- West Ham- A derby game, and an important one at that. Zola has the side playing better, but we won at Upton Park earlier this year, thanks to Ledley and a cracker from O'Hara, and we will need to be on our game to have the same result.
Result: Win

4/18- Newcastle- If there is a "big" club that will be going down, I think it will be Newcastle. I have just watched a replay of the Sunderland/Newcastle game today, and they were fortunate to get a point at home. With injuries galore, I think we have to target this game as a must win.
Result: Win

4/25- Manchester United- We played so well in December to get the point at home, but I think the result will be closer to the FA Cup result. Ferguson will have the team pushing for a title, and this will be one of those games that I'll rejoice if we get a point.
Result: Loss

5/2- West Brom- Still propping up the league, West Brom will probably see their ticket punched back to the Championship by the time this game is played, so this is one of those games that the squad should secure three points from. The thing we must not do is take the game too lightly.
Result: Win

5/9- Everton- Going to Goodison is never an easy task, and this begins a tough three game stretch to finish the season. If we haven't secured safety by then, I will be in the hospital with chest pains facing these three games. Another game where I will dance if we get a point.
Result: Loss

5/16- Manchester City- City is playing better, much better than when we beat them in the fall. They are coming to the Lane, so that will help us. Hopefully this will just be a game that helps us determine our position in the middle of the table.
Result: Draw

5/24- Liverpool- The last match of the season away. We were lucky to get a win in November against them, and they will likely be challenging for the title. With the bad blood between Harry and Rafa over the Keane scenario, I expect it to be chippy.
Result: Loss

So based on my predictions, we should take 17 points over the next 14 games. I would love to say we're going to take more, but I am trying to be realistic. With 41 points we should be safe however. We certainly can take more points from these matches, and let's hope we do.

How many points do you think we will take from the rest of the season? And don't forget to vote on where you think we will finish in the table.

1 comment:

  1. I think Blackburn will be a win, and Chelsea will be a loss. So, 19? Honestly, I think Aresenal will be a loss, but I am hopeful for a draw at least. I will still count as a draw.

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