Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: Legion on November 19, 2012, 08:35:15 PM

Title: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Legion on November 19, 2012, 08:35:15 PM
v Arsenal 24.11.12 (H) LOSE
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) WIN
v QPR 1.12.12 (A) WIN
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) WIN
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) DRAW
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) LOSE
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) DRAW
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) WIN

14 out of 24.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: ozzjim on November 19, 2012, 08:39:27 PM
v Arsenal 24.11.12 (H) LOSE            ACTUAL 0-0 DRAW  1pt
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) WIN             ACTUAL 1-0 WIN     3pt
v QPR 1.12.12 (A) DRAW                  ACTUAL 1-1 DRAW  1pt
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) DRAW         ACTUAL 0-0 DRAW 1pt
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) LOSE          ACTUAL 3-1 WIN 3pt
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) LOSE            ACTUAL 8-0 LOSS 0pt
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) DRAW             ACTUAL 4-0 LOSS 0pt
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) WIN

9 out of 24.

Which will keep us in the bottom 3-4 but will be ok.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on November 19, 2012, 08:41:19 PM
v Arsenal 24.11.12 (H) WIN
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) WIN
v QPR 1.12.12 (A) DRAW
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) DRAW
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) LOSE
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) LOSE
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) DRAW
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) WIN

12 out of 24.

Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 19, 2012, 08:42:10 PM
I think we need a minimum of 12-14 points from those games.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: preston28 on November 19, 2012, 09:12:49 PM
v Arsenal 24.11.12 (H) LOSE
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) WIN
v QPR 1.12.12 (A) WIN
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) WIN
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) DRAW
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) LOSE
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) DRAW
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) WIN

14 out of 24.


I think we will get a draw against the gooners  but am in agreement with your other predictions.

Therefore 15 out of 24!!
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: PeterWithesShin on November 19, 2012, 09:15:00 PM
v Arsenal 24.11.12 (H) D
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) W
v QPR 1.12.12 (A) D
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) W
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) L
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) L
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) D
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) W

12 out of 24
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: JUAN PABLO on November 19, 2012, 09:21:34 PM
v Arsenal 24.11.12 (H) DRAW
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) WIN
v QPR 1.12.12 (A) LOSE
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) DRAW
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) LOSE
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) LOSE
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) DRAW
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) WIN


9 points
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: myf on November 19, 2012, 09:27:09 PM
Im with ozzjim. 18 from 20 and some new players to blast us to midtable
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Bottom Right 89 on November 19, 2012, 09:30:37 PM
v Arsenal 24.11.12 (H) D
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) W
v QPR 1.12.12 (A) D
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) W
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) L
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) L
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) D
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) W

12 out of 24
This one but with a win at QPR - 14 out of 24.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: JUAN PABLO on November 19, 2012, 09:43:30 PM
v Arsenal 24.11.12 (H) D
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) W
v QPR 1.12.12 (A) D
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) W
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) L
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) L
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) D
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) W

12 out of 24
This one but with a win at QPR - 14 out of 24.

All depends If they start with a new mangaer ;/
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: ozzjim on November 19, 2012, 09:49:43 PM
I think we will get QPR for Arry's first game and get battered but sneak a point, and there will be much talk of how unlucky they were.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Risso on November 19, 2012, 10:14:44 PM
v Arsenal 24.11.12 (H) L
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) D
v QPR 1.12.12 (A) D
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) W
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) L
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) L
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) L
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) W

8 points, still in the bottom three as we go into the New Year.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: TaxDodger on November 19, 2012, 11:11:16 PM
v Arsenal 24.11.12 (H) DRAW
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) WIN
v QPR 1.12.12 (A) LOSE
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) WIN
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) LOSE
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) LOSE
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) LOSE
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) WIN

10 from 24..
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Lambert and Payne on November 19, 2012, 11:43:38 PM
v Arsenal 24.11.12 (H) DRAW
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) WIN
v QPR 1.12.12 (A) WIN
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) WIN
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) LOSE
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) DRAW
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) LOSE
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) WIN


14 from 24
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: paul_e on November 19, 2012, 11:52:06 PM
v Arsenal 24.11.12 (H) DRAW
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) WIN
v QPR 1.12.12 (A) DRAW
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) WIN
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) DRAW
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) LOSE
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) LOSE
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) WIN

12 points

QPR marked down as I think Hughes will be gone by then and they'll play up for the caretaker/new manager.

I really think we'll pick up a point against liverpool.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: eamonn on November 20, 2012, 01:04:53 AM
Risso going with the lowest, who would have thought it?! Sad to say that it's easy to imagine those outcomes though.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: hawkeye on November 20, 2012, 01:06:48 AM
v Arsenal 24.11.12 (H) LOSE
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) Draw
v QPR 1.12.12 (A) Lose
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) Draw
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) Lose
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) LOSE
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) DRAW
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) WIN

6 out of 24.Relegated

Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: l_mckay on November 20, 2012, 11:37:58 AM
v Arsenal 24.11.12 (H) Draw
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) WIN
v QPR 1.12.12 (A) DRAW
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) DRAW
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) LOSE
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) LOSE
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) DRAW
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) WIN
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: danlanza on November 20, 2012, 11:52:41 AM
Ah, sod it, we will win them all. ::)
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: supertommykN'iba on November 20, 2012, 11:56:41 AM
v Arsenal 24.11.12 (H) DRAW
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) WIN
v QPR 1.12.12 (A) LOSE
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) DRAW
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) LOSE
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) DRAW
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) LOSE
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) DRAW

7 out of 24. I'm usually optimistic.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: supertom on November 20, 2012, 12:16:48 PM
Tough group of games. After Arsenal we have on paper, 3 winnable games, but they'll be very tough. Two relegation 6 pointers. Those sort of games can go either way. If Reading pull off a result, and they'll fight tooth and nail to, then we'll be in trouble. QPR can't go the whole season without winning, as shite as they are, and it'd be just our luck for them to do it against us.
The other more winnable games are still tough. We never do well against Stoke or Wigan. Come post xmas I also fancy Martinez to take Wigan on a good run again and pull away of the relegation area.

I think we'll struggle to get 10 points to be honest. By the time January comes around we'll have a lot of work to be done. We need the signings to have a stronger 2nd half of the season. I'd guess 35ish points would be enough. We'll just about scrape that I think.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: ajmant on November 20, 2012, 03:52:16 PM
v Arsenal 24.11.12 (H) Lose
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) Win
v QPR 1.12.12 (A) Draw
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) Draw
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) Lose
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) Lose
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) Lose
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) Win

8 points - Crikey!
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: exiled on the wirral! on November 20, 2012, 04:05:20 PM
v Arsenal (H)  Win
v Reading (H) Win
v QPR       (A)  Win
v Stoke     (H)  Win
V Liverpool (A)  Lose
v Chelsea   (A)  Lose
v Spurs      (H)  Draw
v Wigan      (H)  Win


16 points out of 24, should take us up to around half  way by new year!

I think I should lay off lunchtime drinking!
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Matt Collins on November 21, 2012, 07:29:51 AM

v Arsenal (H)  Lose
v Reading (H) Win (just, poor performance)
v QPR       (A)  draw
v Stoke     (H)  Win
V Liverpool (A)  Draw
v Chelsea   (A)  Lose
v Spurs      (H)  Draw
v Wigan      (H)  win

12 points from 8 games and up to around 16th I imagine
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: silhillvilla on November 21, 2012, 08:14:09 AM
v Arsenal 24.11.12 (H) Loss
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) Draw
v QPR 1.12.12 (A) DRAW
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) DRAW
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) LOss
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) LOss
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) Loss
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) WIN

6 points taking us to 15 total after 20 games
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: jeowje on November 22, 2012, 11:47:45 AM
v Arsenal 24.11.12 (H) Draw
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) Win
v QPR 1.12.12 (A) Win
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) Win
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) Draw
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) Loss
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) Win
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) Win

17 points- very optmistic but all completely realistic I think  :)
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: QBVILLA on November 22, 2012, 11:51:02 AM
v Arsenal 24.11.12 (H) loss
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) Win
v QPR 1.12.12 (A) draw
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) draw
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) Draw
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) Loss
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) loss
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) Win

9 points. Bloody hell that's grim.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Tom_Mc9? on November 22, 2012, 12:06:10 PM
No idea, but I think it's going to get worse before it gets better. I'm pretty sure we won't get a very satisfactory points return from these games, but after Christmas we'll climb to a more comfortable position. No particular reason for this theory, just think it'll happen.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: glasses on November 22, 2012, 12:14:39 PM
v Arsenal 24.11.12 (H) Win
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) Draw
v QPR 1.12.12 (A) Loss
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) Draw
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) Loss
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) Draw
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) loss
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) Win

9 points
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Damo70 on November 22, 2012, 04:57:23 PM
Arsenal draw
Reading win
QPR lose
Stoke win
Liverpool lose
Chelsea lose
Spurs draw
Wigan win

We gain 11 points from 24 and start making Villa Park a tough place to come again.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: not3bad on November 22, 2012, 05:13:54 PM
v Arsenal 24.11.12 (H) Lose
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) Win
v QPR 1.12.12 (A) Win
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) Draw
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) Draw
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) Lose
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) Draw
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) Win

12 points
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Steve kirk on November 22, 2012, 09:54:50 PM
Arsenal lose
Reading win
Qpr lose ( they have got to win sometime and you just know the first win will be against us)
Stoke draw
Liverpool draw
Chelsea lose
Spurs draw
Wigan win
9 points so 18 after 20 games mmmmmm better spend wisely in Jan.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 23, 2012, 11:17:05 AM
Bollocks QPR have sacked Hughes, so they'll have Redknapp in by the time they play us.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: placeforparks on November 23, 2012, 11:22:59 AM
got a copy of the script here:

harry's first game will be against us, it'll be qpr's first win of the season and the sunday papers and match of the day will be fawning over him.

Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: supertom on November 23, 2012, 11:28:13 AM
See this was my worry. QPR on paper have some decent players. Nothing great but mid-table level. If they get a manager who can get them playing together then they could turn things around. I'm not worried about Reading or Southampton because they're just not good enough at this level.
Bollocks. Was hoping they'd carry on with Sparky till it was too late.

Saying that, we can look on the positive side. David O Leary and Alex McLeish are both out of work. Who knows???
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: PaulWinch again on November 23, 2012, 11:46:32 AM
I see Sky already believe Redknapp has agreed to take over. He'd bloody tell them too.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: supertom on November 23, 2012, 12:12:06 PM
Anyone else slightly amused at how the mighty Harry has fallen? From being at "wonderful" Tottenham, the future champions under his reign, to being the new saviour of the national side, and it's all gone a bit shite since. Karma's a bitch. Ha ha. He'll have a whale of a time at QPR. Sadly I do think he'll have enough to keep them up, but when he can do no more than turn them into a midtable outfit (back to his own level IMO) then he'll be out on his arse and a long way from the really big job he thinks he's worthy of.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: pedro25 on November 23, 2012, 12:27:40 PM
Similar to when he took over Spurs when they were bottom.  Look what he did with them.  He'll have a lot more to spend at QPR as well, I think he could do very well there.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: supertom on November 23, 2012, 12:48:00 PM
Similar to when he took over Spurs when they were bottom.  Look what he did with them.  He'll have a lot more to spend at QPR as well, I think he could do very well there.
I think he had a lot more to work with at Spurs. A bigger and better club. I just think QPR is too much of a circus, even for the ultimate circus master Harry. We'll see just how much money they actually have (left). They'll doubtless want to be a new Man City or Chelsea, but I don't see them being more than mid-table. All they'll do is a attract more mercenaries who don't give a fuck about the club at all.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: paul_e on November 23, 2012, 12:55:11 PM
Similar to when he took over Spurs when they were bottom.  Look what he did with them.  He'll have a lot more to spend at QPR as well, I think he could do very well there.

Not even remotely similar.  Tottenham had a very good squad of young players that Ramos couldn't find a pattern for.  QPR are a retirement home for overpaid nearly men who never quite made it (consistently) in the premier league and are now on the way down.  If Redknapp takes the job and keeps them up he'll have done well.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: glasses on November 23, 2012, 01:06:07 PM
When was the last time we beat a team managed by Redknapp? Was it Southampton the year they went down? He seems to have had a bit of a jinx on us since then. Not good news with a QPR game coming up that we could do with winning.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: danlanza on November 23, 2012, 01:15:01 PM
Harry will keep this lot up and have a lot of money to spend in the process i think.
We will still beat them.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Monty on November 23, 2012, 01:18:18 PM
I think we'll win the next four then lose the four after that. Or something interspersed in between. Either way, come March I think we'll be clear of the real trouble, maybe not mathematically safe but hopefully by then reaching genuine safety will be a when-not-if situation.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Pete3206 on November 23, 2012, 01:25:18 PM
v Arsenal 24.11.12 (H) Lose
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) Win
v QPR 1.12.12 (A) Draw
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) Win
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) Lose
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) Lose
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) Lose
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) Win
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: pedro25 on November 23, 2012, 01:25:35 PM
M'bia, Granero, Hoilett and Cesar all looked like excellent signings, Taarabt is a talent as well and Park, Zamora and Wright Phillips can still offer plenty.  I think Harry will have some good tools to work with down there.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Mister E on November 23, 2012, 02:10:55 PM
QPR should stay up, with the new impetus and the dosh available.

The real question is: which teams will be in the relegation battle come the season-end and what do past leagues show us?

Re the first part, it's seems clear to me that Norwich, S'land, S'ton, Wigan, Reading and Stoke are our real competition; I stilll include QPR although I think they will be favourite to pull clear because they have the resources and a guy in charge prepared to spend them (I mean Fernandez, not 'arry, although together they really do have spending capacity); and Fernandez has pulled the trigger on Hughes early enough for it to have a real impact.

Re historical pointers: the band of relegation points is between 34 and 42 during a 38-fixture season. At this point in time it's impossible to second-guess which teams will have enough in the tank to rise above the rest (although the current bottom four - including us -clearly do not have many points in the bag).
History shows us that Pulis and Martinez can drag teams away from the relegation zone. This may mean we are one of 6 facing the drop.

2:1 - not good odds.

The good news and the bad news: there is time for all of the contenders to get a lot better.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: silhillvilla on November 23, 2012, 02:31:07 PM
Redknapp will do well there. Can see him getting some top players in too like Defoe, Parker etc.
QPR safe.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: paulcomben on November 23, 2012, 08:11:54 PM
We could readily lose or draw the lot. Scarey. The Lambert Plan really must click within the next 3 games/ 9 days. From those, 0-3 points=cack, 4-6 points=hmmm, 7-9 points=feeling groovy.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: supertom on November 24, 2012, 11:55:36 AM
I think at some point it should click. We're due some luck, and I think there'll be a point where we put together a run. That may be Jan time. I do think the right 2-3 signings could make all the difference. The signings all seem to have promise. We just need to overhaul the midfield and make at least one inspired signing there. Someone like Parker would be ideal, but if he is made available he'll be QPR bound probably.
The more the young lads play and gel, I think the more hardened they'll become and we should see less of games like City where we just fell apart. We've got a lot of players chucked in the deep end right now. We just need 1-2 really decent, established players coming in, to show them how to swim. The more we weed naivity out their play the better.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: ozzjim on November 24, 2012, 02:54:36 PM
Redknapp will do well there. Can see him getting some top players in too like Defoe, Parker etc.
QPR safe.

No chance will Spurs let either of those 2 go in January. None. He will buy Dawson for stupid millions, and give him a massive contract, so they will be defensively better, then I would imagine they will go for a tricky winger and a big frontman. Maybe even an audacious attempt for Crouch.  They will be close to staying up though I am sure. 2-3 more games and they would have been dead men walking, but beat us and they are in business.

Reading v Wigan today needs to be a draw, if not, and we lose, we will be cut adrift going into the Reading home game, which could be very difficult with the pressure.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: hawkeye on November 24, 2012, 07:27:19 PM
Ozz I think Crouch is an ooop
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: PeterWithesShin on November 24, 2012, 07:29:23 PM
v Arsenal 24.11.12 (H) D
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) W
v QPR 1.12.12 (A) D
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) W
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) L
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) L
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) D
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) W

12 out of 24

1 out of 1 so far. Eat your heart out Mystic Meg.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Witton Warrior on November 25, 2012, 12:07:54 AM
v Arsenal 24.11.12 (H) D
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) W
v QPR 1.12.12 (A) D
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) W
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) L
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) L
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) D
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) W

12 out of 24

1 out of 1 so far. Eat your heart out Mystic Meg.


Agree with PWS except for the Spurs draw as I think they will beat us so 11 points
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: JUAN PABLO on November 25, 2012, 12:12:22 AM
Redknapp will do well there. Can see him getting some top players in too like Defoe, Parker etc.
QPR safe.

I bet Dawson will be first signing
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: jeowje on November 25, 2012, 12:31:50 AM
I think that QPR will have the usual honeymoon period with a new manager and then slip back into their old ways. Actually looking forward to the game against QPR more now though, just makes them a bigger scalp!
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: ozzjim on November 25, 2012, 12:42:01 AM
Redknapp will do well there. Can see him getting some top players in too like Defoe, Parker etc.
QPR safe.

I bet Dawson will be first signing

And they will take a couple of exotic buggers on loan from somewhere. In fact I reckon they will have a bus load of loans ready!
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: villan from luton on November 25, 2012, 12:51:16 AM
Dawson is a good bet for first signing though seems to be getting a look in at the Spuds and not sure Levy will want anyone going there. No chance of them getting Defoe
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: nornironvillain on November 25, 2012, 12:58:34 AM
v Arsenal 24.11.12 (H) draw - result already gone
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) WIN
v QPR 1.12.12 (A) Draw
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) Draw
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) Lose
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) At least a draw (we always get a good result/performance around crimbo/new year v this lot)
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) lose
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) win (hopefully - guarenteed 3 points away)

9 points from our next 7 games
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Matt Collins on November 25, 2012, 11:43:00 AM
You'd have to think redknapp will turn QPR around. But for some reason I have a sneaking suspicion it might not work out

Back to us, and looking at reading's away form on the beeb further convinces me that tuesdy's game is likely to be really tight. After initial defeat at Chelsea they've either drawn or lost by one goal in subsequent games. I'm predicting either 1-1 or a late villa 2-1 win. The latter would be a massive result. I hope bent is back on the bench and I hope there's something approaching 30k fans there
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Bottom Right 89 on November 25, 2012, 06:09:00 PM
v Arsenal 24.11.12 (H) D
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) W
v QPR 1.12.12 (A) D
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) W
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) L
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) L
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) D
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) W

12 out of 24
This one but with a win at QPR - 14 out of 24.
Think we lost a few at the first hurdle but there are about a dozen of us who said draw and now everyone has backed it up with a win against Reading. If we took a mythical pound at 5/2 for the draw on Saturday we've now got £3.50 running on to a Villa win at even money on Tuesday, let's see how far we get and if anyone can land the 8 game acca.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: SoccerHQ on November 25, 2012, 06:19:47 PM
I tend to be realistic with my predictions, I'd love 7 points from our next 3 games but expect 5 as we could easily lose at QPR and Stoke are always a bastard to beat home or away.

5 points from the next 3 and then 7 points from the Wigan, Swansea and Saints games over xmas. I'm sure we can pick up a point or two in some of the other games like we did against Arsenal.

Basically we need to be over 25 points by the end of January.

Do that and with some new signings I'd be amazed if we were relegated as I think we'd only need 3-4 wins to stay up and I don't expect a collapse like last season.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: garyfouroaks on November 25, 2012, 07:24:36 PM
This is as comfortable a run as we could have hoped for, hopefully we wil be out of the sticky stuff by January.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Matt Collins on November 25, 2012, 07:38:38 PM
I agree, it's generally reasonably comfortable on paper. But . . .

a) the games come thick and fast and that might be tricky
b) our youngsters may struggle a bit more against bruisers in teams we're fighting against. Stoke is a good example. If Vlaar were to be out for a while I think we could go under a couple of times away from home for example
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: ozzjim on November 25, 2012, 11:15:39 PM
Looking at Southampton, you would say the same Soccer, re by the end of Jan they could be safe if they win the games they would hope to. This month they have a chance to get some real points on the board, so maybe Sunderland and Newcastle need to be vigilant. I think it will take 40 to get over the line.

Looking at their last 7 games, I think Southampton have some handy home fixtures there too.

Looking at our fixtures, 7 home wins would give us 31, then it would be about away form. I really believe, if they can take a bit of confidence and momentum into home games we can do that.

No one seems to have a horror run in though from the looks of it. Going to be very, very tight.  5 more points at this stage would have been bloody handy!
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Matt Collins on November 26, 2012, 11:10:29 AM
There are still plenty of sides in threat. Even Newcastle, Sunderland, Swansea, stoke and Norwich plus Wigan
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: N'ZMAV on November 26, 2012, 11:19:45 AM
Newcastle are in big shit at the moment. Good first 11, but poor squad. And they got lucky that all their players were injury free and on form last season.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: PaulTheVillan on November 26, 2012, 11:35:06 AM
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) Win
v QPR 1.12.12 (A) Draw
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) Draw
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) Lose
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) Lose
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) Draw
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) Win

9 from 21.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: not3bad on November 26, 2012, 11:36:47 AM
Newcastle are in big shit at the moment. Good first 11, but poor squad. And they got lucky that all their players were injury free and on form last season.

They're having the kind of "second season" when a team gets found out.  It's always tough when you haven't got the kind of money the Sky teams have to keep the squad fresh.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: not3bad on November 26, 2012, 11:37:57 AM
Didn't Paul Lambert do the double over Brendan Rogers last season?  Might be worth keeping in mind when predicting the Liverpool result.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Billy Walker on November 26, 2012, 11:50:05 AM
There are still plenty of sides in threat. Even Newcastle, Sunderland, Swansea, stoke and Norwich plus Wigan

I think Newcastle have a run of tough fixtures coming up too.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: astonvillan on November 26, 2012, 02:21:04 PM
There are still plenty of sides in threat. Even Newcastle, Sunderland, Swansea, stoke and Norwich plus Wigan

I think Newcastle have a run of tough fixtures coming up too.

I was saying in the 'Other games' thread that Newcastle can count themselves fortunate not to be in the relegation zone right now.

They've been outplayed by Villa, Albion, Liverpool and Everton and should arguably be 6 points worse off.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: PeterWithesShin on November 27, 2012, 10:00:07 PM
v Arsenal 24.11.12 (H) D
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) W
v QPR 1.12.12 (A) D
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) W
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) L
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) L
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) D
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) W

12 out of 24

1 out of 1 so far. Eat your heart out Mystic Meg.

2 out of 2. Lottery numbers available at a price.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: IFWaters on November 27, 2012, 10:30:09 PM
Safety has been achieved with between 35 and 40 points in the last 6 seasons. Assume its 38 points this time. That still means 6 more wins and 7 draws. I don't think the draws will be a problem. But home games like Wigan, Southampton, QPR,  Norwich really need to get maximum points
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Matt Collins on November 27, 2012, 10:44:07 PM
If we were being honest, what did people expect out of the last 5 games (Sunderland, the big 3, and Reading). I probably expected 3-4 points. We've got 7. If we can get another 4 from the next 2 games, I think that will have been pretty successful.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Salsa Party Animal on November 28, 2012, 08:57:48 AM
v Arsenal 24.11.12 (H) DRAW
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) WIN
(Ignore above)

v QPR 1.12.12 (A) WIN
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) WIN
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) WIN
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) LOSE
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) WIN
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) WIN

Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: se16 on November 28, 2012, 09:27:42 AM
Pages: [1] 2 3 ... 5   Go Down

Just noticed this at the top of the thread. Is it an omen?
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: PeterWithesShin on December 01, 2012, 05:01:46 PM
v Arsenal 24.11.12 (H) D
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) W
v QPR 1.12.12 (A) D
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) W
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) L
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) L
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) D
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) W

12 out of 24

1 out of 1 so far. Eat your heart out Mystic Meg.

2 out of 2. Lottery numbers available at a price.

3 out of 3. I really should try doing the lottery tonight.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: PaulWinch again on December 01, 2012, 05:08:07 PM
v Arsenal 24.11.12 (H) D
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) W
v QPR 1.12.12 (A) D
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) W
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) L
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) L
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) D
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) W

12 out of 24

1 out of 1 so far. Eat your heart out Mystic Meg.

2 out of 2. Lottery numbers available at a price.

3 out of 3. I really should try doing the lottery tonight.

Hope you're right on the next one.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: PeterWithesShin on December 01, 2012, 05:09:23 PM
So do I. Then I'm hoping i'm massively wrong on the 3 after that.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: hawkeye on December 01, 2012, 08:40:00 PM
v Arsenal 24.11.12 (H) D
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) W
v QPR 1.12.12 (A) D
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) W
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) L
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) L
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) D
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) W

12 out of 24

1 out of 1 so far. Eat your heart out Mystic Meg.

2 out of 2. Lottery numbers available at a price.

3 out of 3. I really should try doing the lottery tonight.
no one likes a smart arse
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: supertom on December 02, 2012, 08:36:38 AM
Looking at the next 5 and the teams involved, it wouldn't be unrealistic to think we could go unbeaten. At the same time, I can't see us winning many, unless we find the right attacking balance. However at the moment, though we look far from solid and have ridden our luck and benefited from poor finishing from opposition, we're looking a lot tighter at the back.

Our left side could be a major problem though with Bennett and Stevens out, and Lichaj looking bobbins there.

In 4 games we reach the half way point. If we have 20 points by then, we'll be half way to the magical 40 mark. I fancy us to have stronger 2nd half of the season in any case, but if we can be a minimum of 20 points by 19 games, I think we'll feel better about things.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Mister E on December 02, 2012, 10:06:30 AM
... Our left side could be a major problem though with Bennett and Stevens out, and Lichaj looking bobbins there.
...
Licha\j looked a lot better when he moved to the right yesterday: I'd advocate playing Delph at LB. He's left-footed for a start, which has to help; and he'll get more forward, I suspect.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Matt Collins on December 02, 2012, 10:39:57 AM
How long are the likes of Vlaar, Stevens and Bennett out for? I was hoping a couple would be back for this game. From the limited highlights I saw, we looked vulnerable down the sides of our back 3 yday. But if we did play that formation again I think Delph as a wing back might be a decent shout?
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Pete3206 on December 02, 2012, 10:58:44 AM
... Our left side could be a major problem though with Bennett and Stevens out, and Lichaj looking bobbins there.
...
Licha\j looked a lot better when he moved to the right yesterday: I'd advocate playing Delph at LB. He's left-footed for a start, which has to help; and he'll get more forward, I suspect.

Can we just get Warnock back? We'd get a player that's at least better than Lihaj in that position, plus a bigger shop window for Warnock himself.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: rutski on December 02, 2012, 11:01:32 AM
someone suggesting warnock back, christ, heard it all now! been absolute utter shit for 2 years and now he is the saviour of our left flank. the mind boggles!!
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: OCD on December 02, 2012, 11:23:07 AM
Players always get better when they're not in the team. I would suggest watching last season's review as a reminder for how bad Warnock is but I imagine it must be quite difficult to get hold of.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: saunders_heroes on December 02, 2012, 11:27:09 AM
someone suggesting warnock back, christ, heard it all now! been absolute utter shit for 2 years and now he is the saviour of our left flank. the mind boggles!!

It's irrelevant anyway. The reason Warnock is gone is because of his wages, nothing to do with his dodgy performances in the last couple of years. If he was on half the wage he is on now he'd probably still be in the first team.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: maidstonevillain on December 02, 2012, 11:31:38 AM
v Arsenal 24.11.12 (H) D
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) W
v QPR 1.12.12 (A) D
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) W
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) L
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) L
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) D
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) W

12 out of 24

1 out of 1 so far. Eat your heart out Mystic Meg.

2 out of 2. Lottery numbers available at a price.

3 out of 3. I really should try doing the lottery tonight.

Hope you're right on the next one.

If I was offered the next five predictions now, I would take them.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: paul_e on December 02, 2012, 11:35:11 AM
v Arsenal 24.11.12 (H) DRAW
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) WIN
v QPR 1.12.12 (A) DRAW
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) WIN
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) DRAW
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) LOSE
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) LOSE
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) WIN

Yup, 3 out of 3 here as well.  When I posted those I thought 12 points from the 8 games would be a good return and see us looking a lot safer, I still think that and I'm fairly confident about the next 2 predictions.  I do think I may have been overly negative with the chelsea and tottenham ones though.  I actually don't see any major reason why we couldn't go unbeaten in december, Tottenham at home is the only 1 I'd be really nervous of.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Dave on December 02, 2012, 12:41:34 PM
someone suggesting warnock back, christ, heard it all now! been absolute utter shit for 2 years and now he is the saviour of our left flank. the mind boggles!!

It's irrelevant anyway. The reason Warnock is gone is because of his wages, nothing to do with his dodgy performances in the last couple of years. If he was on half the wage he is on now he'd probably still be in the first team.
If you just set something along those lines as your signature it would save you an awful lot of time typing it out over and over again.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Monty on December 02, 2012, 12:48:50 PM
I really think we can get something out of the Liverpool and Chelsea games. Less so Spurs, though they are prone to being rattled by hard working teams away from White Shart Lane. Stoke will be very important though: win that, we'll have real confidence and momentum; draw, we'll at least have a feeling of solidity and focus; lose and it could turn into a very, very tough winter for us.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Pete3206 on December 02, 2012, 01:19:28 PM
someone suggesting warnock back, christ, heard it all now! been absolute utter shit for 2 years and now he is the saviour of our left flank. the mind boggles!!

Sorry, I forgot we had so many options in that position. My mistake.

Not for one minute do I think he's a saviour. Beggars can't be choosers
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Legion on December 02, 2012, 01:22:29 PM
I really think we can get something out of the Liverpool and Chelsea games. Less so Spurs, though they are prone to being rattled by hard working teams away from White Shart Lane. Stoke will be very important though: win that, we'll have real confidence and momentum; draw, we'll at least have a feeling of solidity and focus; lose and it could turn into a very, very tough winter for us.

Our very own winter of discontent?
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: OCD on December 02, 2012, 02:00:51 PM
Haven't we already had one of those?
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Monty on December 02, 2012, 02:03:09 PM
I can't remember the last time we had a winter of content. Maybe the run of 1-0 away wins under MON.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Bottom Right 89 on December 02, 2012, 02:06:49 PM
v Arsenal 24.11.12 (H) D
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) W
v QPR 1.12.12 (A) D
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) W
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) L
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) L
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) D
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) W

12 out of 24

1 out of 1 so far. Eat your heart out Mystic Meg.

2 out of 2. Lottery numbers available at a price.

3 out of 3. I really should try doing the lottery tonight.
no one likes a smart arse
I do - now up to £24.50 from PWS predictions, keep it going Nostradamus if (when) we beat Stoke it is going to be a real test of faith whether I can place £50 on Liverpool to beat Villa.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: supertom on December 02, 2012, 03:34:08 PM
someone suggesting warnock back, christ, heard it all now! been absolute utter shit for 2 years and now he is the saviour of our left flank. the mind boggles!!

Sorry, I forgot we had so many options in that position. My mistake.

Not for one minute do I think he's a saviour. Beggars can't be choosers
Anyone know how he's been doing on loan incidently?
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: silhillvilla on December 02, 2012, 05:50:23 PM
Haven't we already had one of those?

Several ?
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: IFWaters on December 03, 2012, 09:03:40 AM
To be 'on track' for survival we need to be on 20 points after the Wigan game. 6 points from those 5 games is possible but its so important to try to get something from Stoke. Even if we only have 2 games worth of credit left on the bent-o-meter surely this and Wigan are the games to use that credit and try to get the points.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: not3bad on December 03, 2012, 01:32:57 PM
I can't remember the last time we had a winter of content. Maybe the run of 1-0 away wins under MON.

We were pretty content during MON's last two seasons in charge because we were in the top 3/4 around Christmas.  In his last season we were in the League cup semis and had just won at Old Trafford for the first time in donkey's.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Des Little on December 03, 2012, 03:03:36 PM
35 points will keep us up this season
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Monty on December 03, 2012, 03:16:30 PM
I can't remember the last time we had a winter of content. Maybe the run of 1-0 away wins under MON.

We were pretty content during MON's last two seasons in charge because we were in the top 3/4 around Christmas.  In his last season we were in the League cup semis and had just won at Old Trafford for the first time in donkey's.

Very true. I don't know if I ever felt comfortable. I don't know if that's just the nerves of being a football fan, but I can't help but feel that MON's style of play was a bit tension-inducing.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Matt Collins on December 03, 2012, 07:11:41 PM
Yes, one of those winters we went on a run of about 6 wins in 7 games, but I think there were about 6 own goals in our favour during that run, and several very scrappy 1-0 wins.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: supertom on December 04, 2012, 07:24:23 AM
Yes, one of those winters we went on a run of about 6 wins in 7 games, but I think there were about 6 own goals in our favour during that run, and several very scrappy 1-0 wins.
Whether one is inclined to believe in that sort of thing or not, we did seem to have a good share of fortune whilst O Neill was in charge. We've not had much fortune in the last couple of seasons.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: dcdavecollett on December 06, 2012, 01:24:34 PM
Not in matches at Wembley, we didn't!
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: supertom on December 07, 2012, 07:47:47 AM
Not in matches at Wembley, we didn't!

No sadly not. By then O Neill's luck was running out and we really began seeing more than ever how tactically limited he really was.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: paul_e on December 08, 2012, 04:55:01 PM
Awww, both myself and PWS had it down as a villa win today, was a good run whilst it lasted.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: ozzjim on December 08, 2012, 05:15:32 PM
4 out of 4 for me. Hope that breaks in my next 2 though.

Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Risso on December 08, 2012, 05:18:31 PM
We're 1 point ahead of where I thought we'd be.  I thought we'd lose to Arsenal then get a win and two draws.  I've got the right amount of points for the last 3 games, just in the wrong order.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: SoccerHQ on December 08, 2012, 05:57:20 PM
Right up to the Newcastle game we managed 11 points from the equivilant of those fixtures last season (I've left out Southampton at home as not sure who to compare them to).

I'd snap hands off for that same haul, would leave us 26 points by the end of January. Not great but in reality we'd only need 3 more wins and a few draws to keep us up from that point and we'd still have the likes of QPR, Sunderland, Fulham, West Ham all to play at home.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: PeterWithesShin on December 08, 2012, 06:44:53 PM
Awww, both myself and PWS had it down as a villa win today, was a good run whilst it lasted.

No refunds for anyone daft enough to think I knew what I was on about!
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Bottom Right 89 on December 09, 2012, 07:47:24 AM
Awww, both myself and PWS had it down as a villa win today, was a good run whilst it lasted.

No refunds for anyone daft enough to think I knew what I was on about!
Nevermind just as I was beginning to dream of offering cash for Randy's plane after the Wigan match. A slight stumble yesterday and back to the drawing board so where is our next point coming from?

Anfield is no fortress and Suarez run of form seems to have ended, we could get something there with a bit of luck and fair officials. Not confident of anything from Chelsea or Spuds at home so Wigan is now must win. No easy way to say this and as much as I think we're playing well at the moment unless we get a result at Liverpool or Chelsea reality is we''ll be bottom 3 for Christmas.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Matt Collins on December 09, 2012, 08:28:03 AM
I'd be surprised if we're not in the bottom 3 for xmas, given our upcoming fixtures. But at least we're getting some players back in coming weeks. Then January is going to be massive, given some eminently winnable games and the transfer window. A huge month for us
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: saunders_heroes on December 09, 2012, 08:44:37 AM
We really could have done with a win yesterday what with three really tough games coming up. We could easily find ourselves back in the bottom three over Xmas. The January window is massive for us.
What an awful team we have this season.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: eastie on December 09, 2012, 09:23:08 AM
We really could have done with a win yesterday what with three really tough games coming up. We could easily find ourselves back in the bottom three over Xmas. The January window is massive for us.
What an awful team we have this season.

Liverpool or Chelsea are nothing to be scared of , and spurs at home is another tough but winnable game - cheer up , it's Xmas approaching and time to be positive .
I think we will get 4 or 5 points from those 3 games.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Matt Collins on December 09, 2012, 09:26:19 AM
I think we may get 1 point from the next three league games. January is very important
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Big Dick Edwards on December 09, 2012, 09:42:09 AM
Wigan's the big game just after Christmas. Realistically I'd be happy with three points from that game and draws at Liverpool and home to Spurs. That'd put us on 20 points going into the second half of the season.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: PaulWinch again on December 09, 2012, 10:28:43 AM
We really need to start winning games.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: maidstonevillain on December 09, 2012, 10:51:44 AM
We really need to start winning games.

I think we are going to have to wait until Wigan for a decent chance of that. Would be nice to get a morale boosting win in the LC whilst the pressure is off a bit.

Is it just my imagination, but most teams we have met so far this season seem to have been on a run of form at the time. Or is just because our form has been bad.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Ads on December 09, 2012, 10:56:15 AM
Not sure what to make of next week and also Chelsea post-Japan. I fancy a couple of points from them.

I am going win two home wins on the spin. 8 for the rest of 2012 and 23 going into January.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Matt Collins on December 09, 2012, 12:38:20 PM
I do think we've got to the point where we are competing fairly evenly with the vast majority of sides we play. But we're unlikely to get above the bottom 5 whilst we retain the worst goalscoring record in the top flight.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Mouse Potato on December 10, 2012, 12:30:48 PM
4 out of 4 for me. Hope that breaks in my next 2 though.


Is somebody telling porkies?

v Arsenal 24.11.12 (H) LOSE            ACTUAL 0-0 DRAW  1pt
v Reading 27.11.12 (H) WIN             ACTUAL 1-0 WIN     3pt
v QPR 1.12.12 (A) DRAW                  ACTUAL 1-1 DRAW  1pt
v Stoke City 8.12.12 (H) DRAW         ACTUAL 0-0 DRAW 1pt
v Liverpool 15.12.12 (A) LOSE
v Chelsea 23.12.12 (A) LOSE
v Spurs 26.12.12 (H) DRAW
v Wigan Athletic 29.12.12 (H) WIN

9 out of 24.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: IFWaters on December 10, 2012, 07:57:06 PM
To be 'on track' for survival we need to be on 20 points after the Wigan game. 6 points from those 5 games is possible but its so important to try to get something from Stoke. Even if we only have 2 games worth of credit left on the bent-o-meter surely this and Wigan are the games to use that credit and try to get the points.
We now need 5 points from Chelsea, Pool, Spurs and Wigan to be on 20 points after 20 games, on track for the 38 points which would give us better than even chance of survival (avg in last 10 seasons is 37.4). Put another way we need 6 more wins and 5 more draws. Wigan is a huge game. As another poster said we are holding our own in defence against all bar top 5 teams' but we have to be able to create and score.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: levico on December 15, 2012, 11:25:12 PM
To be 'on track' for survival we need to be on 20 points after the Wigan game. 6 points from those 5 games is possible but its so important to try to get something from Stoke. Even if we only have 2 games worth of credit left on the bent-o-meter surely this and Wigan are the games to use that credit and try to get the points.
We now need 5 points from Chelsea, Pool, Spurs and Wigan to be on 20 points after 20 games, on track for the 38 points which would give us better than even chance of survival (avg in last 10 seasons is 37.4). Put another way we need 6 more wins and 5 more draws. Wigan is a huge game. As another poster said we are holding our own in defence against all bar top 5 teams' but we have to be able to create and score.

Only 2 points needed from 3 games now. Be great if we could double that.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: johncvilla88 on December 16, 2012, 03:12:59 PM
Only got to get one more win and Lamberts with have already equalled McCleish record of 9 victories in a season!
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: ciggiesnbeer on December 16, 2012, 05:03:36 PM
Tough couple of games coming up. But we already have 3 more pts than I expected so I am happy enough. Chelsea has in my view the second best squad in the league (after man City) so I expect us to get a tonking. From Wigan onwards I am hoping we can grab a few points though. At least now we have a nice little cushion to ease our nerves.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Irish villain on December 16, 2012, 05:28:18 PM
I remember saying I would be reasonably happy if we had 19 points going into the new year. As things stand, we are well on track to have over 20 points going into the New Year. We can beat Wigan and, are Spurs really that great? I wasn't that impressed with them today.

Wouldn't it be great to be safe by about March?
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Rip Van We Go Again on December 16, 2012, 05:32:54 PM
Draw against Chelsea and Spurs, then a convincing win against Wigan.

I'd be more than happy with that.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Irish villain on December 16, 2012, 05:40:56 PM
Just looked at last season's results, we had 21 points at this stage last season and 24 after our New Year's Eve win against Chelsea.

I think we are all much more confident that we will have a good second half of the season this time around! What dragged us down last eyar was the shambolic loss of form in 2012, particularly at home.

You can't really compare the two seasons at all.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Dan England on December 16, 2012, 05:41:25 PM
I know I'll have my good old Villa back when we get 4 points from Chelski and Spurs but then get beaten at home by Wigan!
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: IFWaters on December 16, 2012, 10:49:21 PM
Let's keep or feet on the ground. We still need another
To be 'on track' for survival we need to be on 20 points after the Wigan game. 6 points from those 5 games is possible but its so important to try to get something from Stoke. Even if we only have 2 games worth of credit left on the bent-o-meter surely this and Wigan are the games to use that credit and try to get the points.
We now need 5 points from Chelsea, Pool, Spurs and Wigan to be on 20 points after 20 games, on track for the 38 points which would give us better than even chance of survival (avg in last 10 seasons is 37.4). Put another way we need 6 more wins and 5 more draws. Wigan is a huge game. As another poster said we are holding our own in defence against all bar top 5 teams' but we have to be able to create and score.

Only 2 points needed from 3 games now. Be great if we could double that.
5 or 6 wins, but we should be able to dothat if we keep our confidence.

Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: tomd2103 on December 16, 2012, 11:09:23 PM
Chelsea will be a tough one (thought that last season though!), but I think Spurs and Wigan at home are both winnable games. 
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Hookeysmith on December 17, 2012, 01:00:25 PM
Chelsea arrive back in UK today and then face Leeds (certainly no pushover) on Wed - they then play a rejuvernated Villa

I honestly fancy us on Sat - i just can see FSW saying how tired the little loves are
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: danno on December 17, 2012, 01:03:55 PM
think we may be playing them Sunday?
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: PaulWinch again on December 17, 2012, 01:04:42 PM
We are at 16.00.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Rip Van We Go Again on December 17, 2012, 01:12:17 PM
Chelsea arrive back in UK today and then face Leeds (certainly no pushover) on Wed
I'm praying it will go to extra time.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Lambert and Payne on December 17, 2012, 01:13:51 PM
Chelsea arrive back in UK today and then face Leeds (certainly no pushover) on Wed - they then play a rejuvernated Villa

I honestly fancy us on Sat - i just can see FSW saying how tired the little loves are

They arrive tomorrow afternoon I think BBC said
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: IFWaters on December 27, 2012, 07:22:23 AM
Statto here.

Yesterdays mauling has only 1 bright lining - we don't have to play Spurs again this season. In a fluke that the fixture computer throws in we have now reached halfway and played spurs twice, everyone else bar Wigan once.

Wigan at home has to be seen as a golden opportunity to pull away from relegation and secure one of the five wins that I think will give us safety (we will get a handful of draws anyway).

Both QPR and Reading have about 5 games left to save their seasons although never rule out Redknapp getting something season-changing in the transfer market.

Frankly its looking like a 3-way fight between us, Wigan and Southampton for the third relegation spot. We play them both at home in the next 2 weeks.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: IFWaters on December 27, 2012, 07:27:53 AM
Statto here.

Yesterdays mauling has only 1 bright lining - we don't have to play Spurs again this season. In a fluke that the fixture computer throws in we have now reached halfway and played spurs twice, everyone else bar Wigan once.

Wigan at home has to be seen as a golden opportunity to pull away from relegation and secure one of the five wins that I think will give us safety (we will get a handful of draws anyway).

Just checked when that other game against Wigan is. Gulp. Last game of the season
Both QPR and Reading have about 5 games left to save their seasons although never rule out Redknapp getting something season-changing in the transfer market.

Frankly its looking like a 3-way fight between us, Wigan and Southampton for the third relegation spot. We play them both at home in the next 2 weeks.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: IFWaters on December 27, 2012, 07:54:49 AM
That 'game in hand' vs Wigan.

When is that I wondered?

Oh dear.

Sunday 19th May.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: IFWaters on December 27, 2012, 08:07:45 AM
Sorry' just to add some stats re 'great escapes'. Two stand out in the last 20 years.

West Ham in 2007, 21 pts from last 11 games. Courtesy Tevez.
Portsmouth, 2006, 20 pts from last 9 games. Courtesy Redknapp.

Makes yamyams 13 pts from last 10 in 2005 look pedestrian.

So in a combination of super stats, given that 38 points is better than average (remember avg is 37.4 in the premier league years with 20 teams) AND that the three escapes above are the most statistically significant in the last 20 years I posit that teams with less than 26 points after 28 games are over 90% certain to be relegated.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Matt Collins on December 27, 2012, 08:31:39 AM
That's why January is so crucial. I was pretty confident it would see us pull away, with lots of winnable games including Wigan and saints at home. Now I'm concerned we're heading into it with our squad snd cindidence severely hurt.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: cheltenhamlion on December 27, 2012, 08:34:31 AM
Wins in the cups will help to pick the team up mind. We don't half need some bodies fit in the next few days though.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: paul_e on December 27, 2012, 09:00:49 AM
Statto here.

Yesterdays mauling has only 1 bright lining - we don't have to play Spurs again this season. In a fluke that the fixture computer throws in we have now reached halfway and played spurs twice, everyone else bar Wigan once.

Wigan at home has to be seen as a golden opportunity to pull away from relegation and secure one of the five wins that I think will give us safety (we will get a handful of draws anyway).

Both QPR and Reading have about 5 games left to save their seasons although never rule out Redknapp getting something season-changing in the transfer market.

Frankly its looking like a 3-way fight between us, Wigan and Southampton for the third relegation spot. We play them both at home in the next 2 weeks.

Disagree on the last line, I think Newcastle (2 wins in 8) and Fulham(1 win in 8) are just as involved as the rest of us, Sunderland look like they've pulled clear a little now but a few bad results could see them back in the mix as well, West Ham (1 win in 7) aren't picking up many points either and have been going the wrong way in the table for a few weeks.  Looking at the table that's everyone below Norwich, with only really Sunderland and Southampton showing any form.

back to back wins for anyone involved (ignoring QPR and Reading) will make a huge difference to the situation and for what it's worth there's no one in our fixture list until Everton at the start of February that I don't think we can get something from.  Lambert needs to earn his money and get the team morale up for the Wigan match.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: ozzjim on December 27, 2012, 09:26:44 AM
We have the predicted 9 points that I thought we would despite the last 2 games. Win against Wigan and we will have done well out of the run of games in the first post in fairness.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: paul_e on December 27, 2012, 10:23:04 AM
We have the predicted 9 points that I thought we would despite the last 2 games. Win against Wigan and we will have done well out of the run of games in the first post in fairness.

Yup, I had us for 9 by this point (I actually only got the stoke and liverpool results reversed as my incorrect guesses) and Iput for a win agianst Wigan.

When I posted that I was confident that 12 points would see us comfortably clear and that will be the case if we get the win, with a 6 point gap behind us.

It's worth noting that, of the sides around us, we have far and away the easiest game this weekend.

Sunderland v Tottenham
Aston Villa v Wigan
Fulham v Swansea
Stoke v Southampton
Arsenal v Newcastle   

I can't see many wins for the others there so a home win could be really important here.
Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: Irish villain on December 27, 2012, 10:38:08 AM
That's why January is so crucial. I was pretty confident it would see us pull away, with lots of winnable games including Wigan and saints at home. Now I'm concerned we're heading into it with our squad snd cindidence severely hurt.

Me too. My thinking was 19 points on January 1st, bring in a few experienced heads, and we'd be fine.

Title: Re: The run-in leading up to 2013
Post by: PaulWinch again on December 27, 2012, 02:47:50 PM
We desperately need to win the Wigan game.
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