Armchair Pundit

Pre-season predictions revisited

David Silva: Making Armchair Pundit look halfway competentOn August 5, I made a bunch of predictions for the upcoming Premier League season.

As we reach the campaign's midpoint, it is time to take a look at how I am doing so far.

- - -

Prediction: Champions - Manchester United

What I wrote: 'Manchester City might have brought down the '35 years' banner but they still exude a faint air of desperation.

Second: Manchester City, Third: Liverpool, Fourth: Chelsea.'

How it looks now: Not great. Desperation has turned to supreme confidence and City are odds-on to convert their exceptional start into a first league title since 1968. United remain the closest challengers, but injuries to key personnel and the lack of authority in central midfield look set to cost them. Third now looks a touch high for Liverpool, with Spurs and Arsenal battling to crash the top-four party.

Prediction: Relegation - QPR, Blackburn Rovers, Norwich City

What I wrote: 'Blackburn's Steve Kean is a manager under pressure, nor is he helped by goings-on at boardroom level.'

How it looks now: Plus ça change... Kean is still there but Rovers look relegation fodder. Norwich perch in a lofty ninth place, while Tony Fernandes's money has added some impetus to QPR. But there is still time for things to change, as Blackpool will tell you.

Prediction: Sack Race 'winner' - Steve Bruce

What I wrote: 'Sunderland took 10 points from their final 14 Premier League games last season, and the supporters are growing impatient. They have spent significant money on players who don't exactly set the pulse racing - £8m Connor Wickham has bags of potential, but Craig Gardner, John O'Shea and Wes Brown? Surely the definition of solid but unspectacular.'

How it looks now: Bingo. Bruce won the race, though that owed much to Venky's seemingly inexhaustible patience with Kean.

Prediction: Also to leave his job - Arsene Wenger

What I wrote: 'Arsenal were booed off at the end of their Emirates Cup game against Boca Juniors, which they drew - a fair indication the fans are at the end of their tether. Another trophyless season could leave the Frenchman with little option but to fall on his sword.'

How it looks now: Arsenal's traumatic start to the season, including an 8-2 defeat at Old Trafford, made Wenger's departure look increasingly plausible. They have since turned things around and are one of two English sides left in the Champions League. A Robin van Persie injury could change everything, though.

Prediction: PFA Player of the Year - David Silva

What I wrote: 'If he continues his development this season, the probable departure of alpha male Carlos Tevez will allow Silva to shine even brighter. Clever, imaginative and sumptuously-skilled - Silva could become a universally-admired player to rank alongside Gianfranco Zola and David Ginola.'

How it looks now: It hardly took Nostradamus to predict great things from Silva this season, and he has certainly not disappointed. He is the runaway favourite to pick up the PFA award.

Also on shortlist: Luis Suarez, Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, Mario Balotelli, Ashley Cole

How it looks: Suarez - good. Rooney - OK. Van Persie - Great. Balotelli - surprisingly good. Cole - no chance.

Prediction: What Mario Did Next

What I wrote:

'1- After his Maserati is impounded for the 51st time, Balotelli cycles back to the Manchester from London, and is pictured turning up for training on a Boris Bike.

2- Reaches Britain's Got Talent final, showcasing ability to balance a Mini on the end of his nose. Loses to cute 12-year-old singer.

3- The biggest shock of all this one - scores 15 Premier League goals, 20 in all competitions. Secures PFA Player of the Year nomination.'

How it looks now: I didn't predict fireworks, training-ground brawls or 'Why Always Me?' but the Italian has certainly proved himself on the pitch.

He already has 11 goals, 8 in the league, and looks bang on schedule to finish on 15/20.

And the PFA nomination? As ever with Balotelli, you never know...

- - -

BONUS ITEM: TOP SIX FESTIVE POINTS PREDICTOR

Manchester City - Stoke (h) - WIN, West Brom (a) - WIN, Sunderland (a) - DRAW, Liverpool (h) - WIN.

Predicted points: 10

Manchester United - Fulham (a) - DRAW, Wigan (h) - WIN, Blackburn (h) - WIN, Newcastle (a) - DRAW

Predicted points: 8

Tottenham Hotspur - Chelsea (h) - WIN, Norwich (a) - WIN, Swansea (a) - DRAW, West Brom (h) - WIN

Predicted points: 10

Chelsea - Tottenham (a) - LOSS, Fulham (h) - WIN, Aston Villa (h) - WIN, Wolves (a) - WIN

Predicted points: 9

Arsenal - Aston Villa (a) - DRAW, Wolves (h) - WIN, QPR (h) - WIN, Fulham (a) - DRAW

Predicted points: 8

Liverpool - Wigan (a) - WIN, Blackburn (h) - WIN, Newcastle (h) - WIN, Man City (a) - LOSS

Predicted points: 9

 

74 comments

  • stephen  •  Bangkok, Thailand  •  5 months ago
    most predictions correct....norwich wont get relegated....paul lambert done triffic job at city
    players bought to the club are hungry for success...a top player and will one day manage at a big club
  • Alex Tan  •  5 months ago
    GOOD TO SEE STANDARD OF TEAMS PLAYING AGAINST TOP FOUR ARE MUCH MORE CLOSER. IMPRESSED BY PERFORMANCE OF SWANSEA ANN NORWISH.
  • SIMON  •  Sheffield, England  •  5 months ago
    Well, pretty awful predictions for this weeks games. If history has taught anything it's that if United are within striking distance at this time of year then they will probably win the league. I'd also say Sunderland's problems are up front and that Wes Brown and John O Shea are superb. Player of the year, in the running I'd say - Van Persie, Phil Jones, Silva or Aguerro from citeh, Clint Dempsey, Ba. Maybe nominate Bale too who should've won last year.
  • Chiriko  •  Lilongwe, Malawi  •  5 months ago
    Midweek games prdiction, a shambles. MU was wonderful last night. Going down Blackburn,
  • John  •  5 months ago
    BONUS ITEM: Why bother including this? Those are the predictions anybody would have made. The whole article contains nothing of substance and is very safety safety. Tell me are you in fact 'Negative' Nigel Pearson?
  • Phil  •  5 months ago
    Your prediction that Arsene Wenger would be leaving his job was pretty ridiculous. People seem to forget very quickly that Arsenal have enjoyed more success under his tenure than in the entire previous 50 years. The board and indeed the true fans are hardly likely to turn their backs on a manager of his quality and integrity. In short you were having a bit of a "bellend" moment when you dreamt that one up!
    • John Louis 5 months ago
      Could not agree with you more Phil. Arsenal are not the same as other clubs. They are loyal to thier own.
    • Joaquin Gash 5 months ago
      You're both forgetting how fickle football can be, I have heard lot's of callers, on 5 live wanting Wenger to 'Do one'.
    • Hari 5 months ago
      yeah v can see the loyalty from fab former captain, nasri former playmaker, gallas another former captain, toure vice captain, clicy , and adebayor - u can see what the feed back and fan supports , ull get when a player 100% loves his club .. ,soon van persie, whilshere ,varmaelan and scjezny leave the club after another worster trophy less season , loss their emirates cup too , hahaha ,
  • John Haney  •  Mechelen, Belgium  •  5 months ago
    Not that great with your predictions. Only 1 right with the mid week guesses. Obviously don't know much about the top teams !
  • dave  •  5 months ago
    Arsenal - Aston Villa (a) - 1-0 Win, Wolves (h) - 3-1 Win, QPR (h) - 2-0 win,
    Fulham (a) - 2-0 Win =12pts
    • pop 5 months ago
      KEEP DREAMING !!
    • Hari 5 months ago
      villa 1-0 arsenal
  • ajimati  •  Seattle, United States  •  5 months ago
    Well i suppose its all grand cliche...the top 4 party effectively involve 6 good teams while relegation fiasci is between 9 or so resilient teams.... Dicey?
  • Saad y  •  5 months ago
    asnl win
  • Benny  •  5 months ago
    Idiot liverpool fans think they can win the epl and a treble?lmfao won't even be classed as a Treble as it doesn't include a european cup...lol you dumb liverpool fans...how you stupidly worship Kenny and call him king just because he's doing better than the previous guy in charge..You must realise "King Kenny" is the same idiot who bought Caroll for 35m off Newcastle...Liverpool at best will finish 5th and win the Carling cup...and even those odds are not very likely...
    • Paddy 5 months ago
      You kno nothing about football, fecking #$%$ !The Geordie Ponytail will come good in the second half of the season when StevieG's fit and putting the balls in for him.
    • r.leader 5 months ago
      Bellends the lot of you.
  • 19 Times  •  5 months ago
    I can see us losing to Fulham, I hope not but it's always a tough place to go. But I do think we'll win at Newcastle! I'd say 9 points from those four games.
    • 19 Times 5 months ago
      Maybe get a draw at Fulham. I'll take ten points! 12 would be nicer but hey, let's not be greedy!
  • david  •  Manchester, England  •  5 months ago
    Have the courage to eat your words about Norwich.
    • Phil Sanders 5 months ago
      Norwich are doing far better than I thought they would - lets hope it carries on through to the end of the season.
  • ispurs  •  5 months ago
    Wow, as a Spurs fan, that run of predicted results looks very positive since we've just lost lennon to injury, Bale looking doubtful - but what counts is the spine of Ade, Parker/Sandro, King/Gallas, Friedel which looks very strong, and others playing their part. Like Pav the other day. Norwich away looks tricky, Swansea are improving - would be very happy to stuff the chavs tomorrow, COYS !!!
  • Kristjan  •  5 months ago
    Well, you're doing better than my fantasy team...
  • Robert  •  5 months ago
    Chick knows next to nothing about football. He does not even write well. Armchair plonker.
  • David  •  Bolton, England  •  4 months ago
    Even though the Wanderers are second from bottom,there are another 21 games left. With the transfer window upon us and players coming back from the injuired list, I feel we will get out of it.It cant get any worse only better.2or 3 wins would push us up the table.
  • JOHN  •  5 months ago
    You've done ok Alex, must admit didn't think Bruce would be first to be sacked i had Steve Kean....how he's lasted this long is beyond me, don't think him or Coyle are going to last much longer.

    I made a brave statement right at the start saying it would be a two-horse race City & United, so far so good, pity i didn't have a bet on it, i reckon City are just going to edge it....home form really does count and all except Arsenal (who we just beat) have to come on down.

    Of course the Jan window is around the corner and for me teams like United, Chelsea, Spurs & Arsenal have to buy if they want to overall City.

    As for Mario (he,he) he's as mad as a hatter but a brilliant footballer, don't even think he could predict what he's gonna do next.

    David Silva....is a wizzard, the lad is just so good, seen a lot of players at City in my years going and for me he's the best ever, never thought i'd ever say that when you have players like Bell & Kinkladze, you know people talk about Messi and the lad is supreme but i don't think David Silva is too far behind him.

    Happy Christmas & New Year to yourself and all the Yahoo Footy Staff and that includes Paul Parker (he, he)
  • graham  •  Loughborough, England  •  5 months ago
    don't know why you bother mr armchair pundit my son who has no interest in football at all said that your first 4 place prediction was so obvious that anyone would have named something similar. If I were you I wouldn't bother next year. and also the way it reads you have put man u to finish first but man city could take their mantle , thats a two way prediction that will no doubt leave you laying claim to fame whatever happens. Your knowledge of football so far has been utter rubbish....
  • bowdie  •  London, England  •  5 months ago
    I love how people are still thinking it is going to be Arsenal that slip up again! All teams will go through a rough patch and Spuds v Norwich, Swansea and WBA are a perfect time for them. Chelsea are stuttering badly at the moment and probably wont make top 4. my prediction is City, United, Arsenal and Spurs. I dont quite understand how you report that Arsenal could "gatecrash" the top 4, if my memory serves me correctly then we have been in the top 4 for some years now!!??

About Armchair Pundit

Alex Chick spent the World Cup pontificating from the comfort of his own front room, and will continue rambling about football from the dark recesses of the Eurosport office. Not so much Armchair Pundit as Swivel Chair Pundit. He has been Deputy Managing Editor at Eurosport-Yahoo! since 2007, although it took him until last week to work out how to use the photocopier.

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