The Barclays Premier League Club-by-Club Half Term Report 2010/11 Season

F

orgive me. My original intention was to submit this report actually at the half-way point of the season (game 19), but turkey sweats, Will drafting and the common cold have reduced my output of late.


What a season it has been thus far! We have a genuine five 'horse' title race, teams playing beautiful football and thriving, and Blackpool giving hope to just about every football league club that miracles do happen. Maybe Ian Holloway's 'cheeky bid' for Tevez will come off!

My report aims to give an in-depth analysis of each club and predict where they will finish at the end of the season. For fun I have also detailed my first XI for each club, which, I would like to add is not necessarily the best indicator of a club's likely success. As Chelsea fans will tell you squad depth is key.

In such a closely fought league who wins it and who goes down might well be determined by which clubs are the most/least fortunate with injuries. If Modric and Tevez suffered cruciate knee ligament damage Spurs and Man City's title credentials would be severely weakened (Man City's less so with the arrival of Dzeko, although it will no doubt take Dzeko several months to adapt to the Premier League). Who buys who this month, of course, will also influence the final league table positions.


Current position: 3rd

Predicted position: 1st

First XI (4-2-3-1): Fabianski; Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Clichy; Song, Wilshere; Walcott, Fabregas, Nasri; Van Persie.

Arsenal are the number one football club in the UK on just about every measurement: match day revenue, academy, training facilities, a London base (an important factor in attracting the top overseas players), management and squad.  I have little doubt that in ten years’ time Arsenal will still be title contenders. The same cannot be said about Man City as Abu Dhabi's enthusiasm and willingness to pump hundreds of millions into Man City will be rapidly waning. Just look at Chelsea and Abramovich. Ultimately a club has to be able to survive without a 'sugar daddy'.

Match of the Day pundits would probably take umbrage with my view about Arsenal's squad being number one. Inadequate goalkeepers and centre backs would be their cry. 

Such a response has some merit, but no longer in respect of Arsenal's goalkeeping position. The much maligned Fabianski is looking increasingly assured. His shot stopping is top-notch and his confidence visibly grows every game. His cross gathering still needs work, but this will come with further exposure to the rough and tumble of the Premier League. Moreover, if I am wrong, and Fabianski has a run of throwing the ball into the net, Arsenal are blessed with one of the finest young goalkeepers in the League: Wojciech Szczesny. At just 20 years old, Wenger probably views Szczesny as his long term number one. Some would argue that he should be Arsenal's number one now. Wenger's decision not to cave into the short term clamour by shelling out £5 million for the 37 year old Mark Schwarzer was prudent.

The Match of the Day pundits are much closer to the mark regarding Arsenal's centre backs. Squillaci and Koscielny have not looked assured and clearly there is a chasm in class when comparing them to Ferdinand and Vidic. Koscielny will undoubtedly improve, but will make more mistakes before the season's finale. Djourou's improving form has been encouraging, but I do not see him as a first team regular for a side of Arsenal's standing as his positional play is lacking. For Arsenal to win the title this season Thomas Vermaelen needs to get fit fast. Vermaelen is a wonderful centre back and would walk into every Premiership except Man Utd's. I believe that with Vermaelen in the side, combined with Arsenal’s attacking quality, the other centre back's deficiencies could be masked for the remainder of the season.

Van Persie's return to fitness is a welcome boost as his finishing and technique is superior to Chamakh’s. Chamakh has done a fantastic job in linking Arsenal's play and given them an aerial menace, but his finishing is not quite clinical enough at the very highest level unlike Van Persie's.

In Van Persie, Nasri, Fabregas, Wilshere and Walcott (all twenty million plus players) with Arshavin, Chamakh, Bendtner and Diaby in reserve Arsenal have the most potent attacking unit in Europe except for Barcelona. Jack Wilshere is the most technically gifted footballer that England have had in a long time: Iniesta mark two.

Arsenal will also benefit from playing the big boys at home (except Spurs) in the second half of the season and a likely early Champions League exit at the hands of Barcelona.

If Arsenal do not win the Premier League this season they should win it next season (injuries permitting). They are almost there.


Current position: 19th

Predicted position: 14th

First XI (4-4-1-1): Friedel; Cuellar, Dunne, Collins, Warnock; Albrighton, Makoun, Petrov, Downing; A.Young; Heskey.

Aston Villa's form is worrying. A club who had seemingly entrenched itself as a top eight club will be in a relegation battle for the remainder of the season. Injuries have hastened this demise, but the current squad undoubtedly overachieved with Martin O'Neill. Clearly O'Neill walked out because he believed, and rightly so, that he could not move Aston Villa further up the table or even maintain the status quo with the resources available to him. This left his successor with a very difficult job to do, not least with Villa's high wage bill to reduce.

Appointing Gerard Houllier was a mistake. His sides play in a negative style and his managerial record is not exactly scintillating. Granted he won championships with Lyons, but this was not particularly difficult given the vastly superior playing budget he had to Championnat rivals. His Liverpool side were incredibly negative and never really threatened to win the Premiership. His signings were generally pretty bad too: El Hadj Diouf, Djibril Cisse, Salif Diao, Bruno Cheyrou and Igor Biscan, not leaving Rafael Benitez with a great inheritance. Aston Villa should have been bolder and appointed one of the Premier League managerial starlets: Owen Coyle, Roberto Martinez, Roberto Di Matteo or even Ian Holloway.

Thankfully for Villa fans their players should be good enough to keep them up, although they will have a few sleepless nights given the greater quality of teams at the bottom. Friedel is a reliable keeper, although at 39 will need to be replaced soon, and Dunne and Collins are stout in defence.  Houllier would be unwise to alienate Richard Dunne as his leadership and organisational abilities will be vital in plugging Villa's leaky rearguard. 

Albrighton, Petrov, Downing and A.Young would be selected in many Premier League starting line-ups. Villa's abundant crop of young players: Lichaj, Clark, Bannan, Hogg and Delfounes, is very encouraging. 

Villa's two principle weaknesses, which Houllier has identified, are strikers and holding midfielders.  Nigel Reo-Coker is not one of the best Premier League holding midfielders and Petrov is not comfortable when asked to play this role.  Clearly Houllier hopes that Jean Makoun will improve the defensive midfield.  More importantly Villa need a striker who can hold the ball up and link play. Heskey and Carew are not good enough and, in any case, rarely fit. Kevin Doyle would top my list, but Villa are more likely to make a bid for West Ham's Frederic Piquionne, who would not break the bank, or enter the loan market.

Unfortunately, Villa will find it difficult to keep hold of their most valuable assets. Ashley Young is almost certain to go either in January or at the end of the season. Stewart Downing won't linger long either if Villa are not pushing for Europe.

Villa are unlikely to match their league performance attained under the O'Neill era in the short to medium term, but, on the bright side, with Randy Lerner controlling the purse strings, Aston Villa are unlikely to mirror Leeds United or Sheffield Wednesday.


Current position: 16th

Predicted position: 19th

First XI (4-1-4-1): Foster; Carr, R.Johnson, Dann, Ridgewell; Ferguson; Bentley, Larsson, Bowyer, McFadden; Jerome.

I have to confess that I'm not particularly fond of Birmingham City. Their games are almost always dire and they have played in this manner for the last ten years. Every time Birmingham lose Alex McCleish always moans about a perceived refereeing injustice. Generally managers who do this regularly are not particularly perceptive. Graeme Souness did this all the time, which says a fair bit!

Given the quality of the bottom sides and the likelihood of needing 40 points to avoid relegation, I can't see Birmingham winning enough games to secure this total. They will draw plenty, but this will not be enough on its own to reach the magic 40. 

Funnily enough I think Birmingham's best strategy of avoiding the drop is to play even more negatively and abandon any sort of pretence of trying to play creatively. I saw Birmingham attempt to play creatively firsthand at home to West Ham in playing a 4-3-1-2 formation. It failed miserably as Birmingham picked up a fortunate 2-2 draw.  The only players that Birmingham have who are capable of playing this way are Bentley,  Hleb, Beausejour and Larsson. 

Unless Birmingham radically alter their style, which they won't be able to do half way through the season, McCleish should instruct his side to sit deep and not attempt to break the other side down even at home. Goals should come via counter attacks and set pieces with Larsson's good delivery.  Of course if Birmingham are to improve in the longer term, McCleish will have to alter his side's style of play. 

Birmingham’s strengths are obvious. Foster is an outstanding goalkeeper and Dann and Johnson form a robust centre back partnership. Stephen Carr, defying time, is an accomplished right back and Larsson is a free kick expert. Where Birmingham are desperately weak is in attack. Their midfielders are all gritty but Bowyer, Gardner, Ferguson and Fahey are not creative enough when played together. McCleish has failed to get the best out of Alexander Hleb. There is also a dearth of pace in the side, allowing opponents to a keep high line and press Birmingham without fear of being breached in the space behind.

Perhaps the biggest disappointment for Birmingham this season has been the contribution of Nikola Zigic. The Serbian's lack of mobility is a problem and like a lot of really big men is not actually that good in the air. Seven million is looking rather expensive. Cameron Jerome is certainly the more threatening. 

If Birmingham survive they will have to keep plenty of clean sheets as I do not think that they will score two goals in a game often enough to win a game.


Current position: 12th

Predicted position: 18th

First XI (4-4-2): Robinson; Salgado, Samba, Nelsen, Givet; Emerton, Jones, Dunn, Pedersen; M.Diouf, Kalinic.

Blackburn are rapidly becoming the joke club of the Premier League. I have no idea what the Venky family's vision is for Blackburn, but early signs are not promising. Trying to buy a divisive, clapped out 'galáctico' does not smack of building for the long term. I imagine that Jack Walker would be somewhat aghast if he was alive today.

Why the Venky family bought Blackburn is a mystery to me. Blackburn's attendances are slightly less than 24,000 on average and the town itself is pintsized. Blackburn is not really a bigger football club than Burnley or Preston; simply having the good fortune of being in the Premier League when the tidal wave of cash enveloped it. The Venky family are going to have to spend extraordinary sums to convince the Ronaldinhos of this world to come to Blackburn. Even if they do they will be severely hampered by UEFA's 'break even' rule due to come into force next season (not that Blackburn will be in the Champions League). In fact I am tipping Blackburn for the drop.

Sacking Allardyce with no replacement lined up was madness. Allardyce would have more than comfortably kept Blackburn up. The record of internal appointments succeeding with no previous senior managerial experience is poor. Hopefully Steve Kean will prove me wrong.

Blackburn's strength is its spine. Robinson, Samba and Nelsen (with Phil Jones as another option at centre back) eat their crusts and have hairs on their chest.  The experienced Salgado and Givet are also canny operators. Unfortunately for Blackburn Samba looks keen to leave in January and Jones, who would ordinarily replace him, is out for the remainder of the season leaving a gaping hole in Blackburn's rearguard. Blackburn will struggle to find a replacement as good as Samba.

Blackburn's midfield and strikers do not reek of quality or industry. The loss of Jones and N'Zonzi to injury renders Blackburn's midfield lightweight. They will be outmuscled in many games if this deficiency is not addressed.  A midfielder of Cheick Tiote's ilk and quality would be welcome.

Dunn is Blackburn's most gifted midfielder, but he is usually injured and his powers seem to be on the wane.  Pedersen also offers jiggery pokery, but is a frustrating sort who often drifts out of games. He's not the sort of player you want in your team away to Wolves in a relegation decider on the last day of the season. I suppose he's more reliable than El Hadj Diouf who only has one master: 'Big Sam'. 

Up front Mame Biram Diouf is technically sound and powerful, but he will not score many goals. Neither will Benjani despite his brace against Liverpool. The one striker who might be capable of scoring 15 plus is Nikola Kalinic.  The Croat has been frustratingly in and out of the side, but looks like he might be capable of leading the line. Then again the Venkys will probably buy Santa Cruz.

Blackburn will no doubt add to their ranks this month. Strong midfielders and strikers should be prioritised. Blackburn's survival prospects would be boosted considerably if Ryan Nelsen could stay fit for the rest of the season.


Current position: 12th

Predicted position: 12th

First XI (4-3-3): Gilks; Eardley, Cathcart, Evatt, Crainey; Grandin, Adam, Vaughan; Taylor-Fletcher, Campbell, Varney.

Blackpool were unquestionably the stars of 2010. Debunking conventional wisdom, Blackpool have demonstrated that a lack of resources and slick passing football can go hand-in-hand. They have become the role model for every club outside the Premier League. If you had told me three years ago that Gary Taylor-Fletcher would be playing in the Premier League, who I used to consider a journeyman lower league forward, I would have looked at you rather quizzically.

We all know Blackpool's strengths. They pass and move superbly and defend and attack as a cohort.  On Match of the Day we see frequent snapshots of Blackpool with six or seven players in the box. Blackpool's two key players in orchestrating their play are Adam and Vaughan. Much praise has been lavished on Adam, but less has been said about Vaughan. Vaughan's style is not particularly British. His movement is economical, typically using short passes. His style is more continental, no doubt influenced by Dario Gradi from his days at Crewe Alexandra and his spell at Real Sociedad. Like top continental players Vaughan rarely gives the ball away. With Adam and Vaughan in the team Blackpool will always create chances; a part of the game that promoted sides usually struggle to do.

Up front Blackpool's main man is DJ Campbell. Campbell has pace and looks predatory around the   penalty area; a fact borne out by the number of 'little' goals that he has scored this term. He also has great acceleration over the first five yards. Luke Varney has also recaptured the form that saw him score over 25 goals in a season for Crewe Alexandra. Varney has always had the ability, but before he arrived at Blackpool several managers played him in the wrong position. Varney's perfect position is on the left hand side of the front three in a 4-3-3 formation.  He is not a left winger in a 4-4-2, as this burdens him defensive responsibilities, and is not the conventional 'little' striker playing alongside a target man up front in a 4-4-2, as he has less opportunities to run from deep where he is at his most effective.

Blackpool would not be in their current position if its rearguard was not pulling its weight too. Eardley and Crainey are modern full backs contributing to Blackpool's attacking play wherever possible, but the star has been Ian Evatt. Evatt has been vital in organising Blackpool's back four with his sound positional sense making up for his lack of pace. His aerial ability is top-notch too. He has helped Craig Cathcart tremendously who at 21 looks a fine prospect.

Blackpool's primary fear must be holding onto their key players in January. Adam has many suitors, and with his agent no doubt reminding him every day that it only takes one mistimed tackle to end his career, he will be looking for more dosh than can be achieved at Blackpool with their wage ceiling of £9,000 per week. Adam's departure looks inevitable. Hopefully it won't be this month.

Provided that Blackpool do not have a run of injuries and keep their best players this month they should avoid relegation.


Current position: 7th

Predicted position: 8th

First XI (4-4-2): Jaaskelainen; Ricketts, Knight, Cahill, Robinson; Lee, Muamba, Holden, Petrov; K.Davies, Elmander.

Bolton Wanderers are another club that 'have never had it so good'. Well, not since the days of Nat Lofthouse anyway. Owen Coyle with virtually the same team as Gary Megson plus Holden and Petrov has transformed the club. After years of bypassing midfield and Kevin Davies knockdowns Bolton have become one of the most fluid sides in the Premier League. Owen Coyle is a star and is surely destined for a big job. 

Coyle and Bolton's style remind me of Alex Ferguson's Manchester United in the early ’90s. Whilst Bolton generally play through midfield, they are versatile enough to adapt their style. Sometimes a long ball from deep into the penalty area is the right option. Kevin Davies's knockdowns have not disappeared from Bolton's armoury. They also play in an aggressive, swashbuckling style with the belief instilled that they will win more games with this approach.

Bolton's best players lie in the middle of their team starting with their goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen. Over the last decade Jaaskelainen has been consistently in the top half of Premiership goalkeepers. He has no obvious weaknesses. At age 35 it looks increasingly likely that he will end his career at the Reebok. This is a shame as Jaaskelainen is a goalkeeper who should have played in the Champions League during his career. Gary Cahill is probably England's best young centre back: strong in the air, assured in possession and quick. He will not stay at Bolton for much longer. I wouldn't rule out a move to Chelsea in January.

Moving forward Muamba and Holden have been superb in central midfield. Both are incredibly industrious and comfortable in possession. Muamba focuses more on the defensive duties and Holden on the creative ones. Bolton would expect to fetch £8 million plus for each of them. Muamba can't be that far down the England pecking order due to the shortage of top-notch defensive midfielders.

Up front Kevin Davies and Elmander have formed a formidable partnership. In an era of 5 men in midfield, strike partnerships have become fairly uncommon. Davies is the more important member of the strike force as he does the bulk of the link up play with his intricate passes and knockdowns. Elmander is striker who does not create anything on his own. He needs service, hence why he failed to flourish under Gary Megson.

Lee Chung-Yong and Mark Davies are also technically superb and have bright futures in the game.

Bolton's weakness is its back four. Cahill aside, Ricketts, Steinsson, Knight and Robinson are fairly mediocre. They have benefitted from Coyle's management, but to me they are players who might easily be playing in the top half of the Championship. 

Bolton's biggest danger in the short term is losing Owen Coyle as his replacement will almost certainly be inferior. Coyle's departure is certain, but the timing is not. Hopefully for Bolton he will be at the Reebok for the rest of the season.


Current position: 4th

Predicted position: 4th

First XI (4-3-3): Cech; Ivanovic, Alex, Terry, Cole; Essien, Mikel, Lampard; Anelka, Drogba, Malouda.

How the mighty have fallen. I don't mean to gloat, but there hasn't been anything remotely endearing about Chelsea's recent success. Since the 'Special One's' arrival Chelsea have become an efficient, robotic team who win without being particularly easy on the eye contrary to Chelsea's previous reputation as entertainers.

Chelsea's fall with its current crop of players appears terminable. The team have barely developed from Mourinho's era still playing in the same style and formation. Ancellotti needs to assert his own mark on the team rapidly which demands breaking up the current squad. Clearly Chelsea's lack of squad depth is a problem, but this masks the problems of the first team.

The principle concern is the age of Chelsea's first team. Essien is 28; Cole and Terry are 30; Malouda 31 in June; Anelka 32 in March; Drogba and Lampard both 33 in March and June respectively. This is worrying and is undoubtedly a factor in Chelsea's malaise. Older players are less athletic, more susceptible to injuries and have slower recovery times between games. This is an even greater worry for Chelsea as so much of their success has been built on industry rather than supreme technical ability. Players with great technical ability last longer as their games are not just built around pace and strength: Scholes, Giggs, Bergkamp and Sheringham for example. The problem for Chelsea is that their players are not supremely technically gifted in the way that Barcelona or Arsenal's players are. Essien will not have a long career because his strength is his supreme physical prowess and energy as is Drogba's. Anelka like many strikers is reliant on his pace over the first 5 yards. Lampard and Malouda should last longer as they are great technicians, but Lampard's work rate has been more than that of other creative midfielders like Scholes.

Another problem for Chelsea has been an overreliance on defence which has stultified their attacking play. Chelsea do not have many attacking midfielders. Tottenham have Modric, Van der Vaart and Bale; Arsenal have Fabregas, Nasri and Arshavin. Chelsea do not have a single player who can glide past another player. They sorely miss players of the calibre of Robben and Duff (in his pomp). Lampard and Malouda are not quick players and do not regularly go by players. Ashley Cole is probably Chelsea's most effective player in this regard and he is a full back! Chelsea's defence to attack ratio is also simply weighted too heavily in defence. They do not look capable of breaking a team down at present.

Chelsea's obvious other problem is the current form of its once impenetrable rearguard. Cech and Ashley Cole are still outstanding, but the centre backs and right back look weak. Terry's lack of pace is being increasingly exposed and Branislav Ivanovic looks much less comfortable at centre back than right back. Chelsea have had a weakness at right back for a long time. Ivanovic has certainly been the most effective right in the last ten years, but he has often been used at centre back since Carvalho's departure.

Chelsea are still a very good side, but without another massive injection of cash by Abramovich look incapable of repeating past successes over the next few years. They should still have enough quality to qualify for the Champions League this season unless they suffer further injuries.


Current position: 12th

Predicted position: 7th

First XI (4-4-1-1): Howard; Neville, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; Arteta, Rodwell, Fellaini, Pienaar; Cahill; Saha.

Everton have unquestionably been the unluckiest team in the Premier League this season. Hampered by injuries and unfortunate refereeing decisions, they are in the most false position of all Premiership clubs given the quality of their play this season.

With limited resources Moyes continues to do a superb job at Goodison Park having evolved a team once low on natural talent featuring Thomas Gravesen and Lee Carsley to a team brimming in skill and creativity with Baines, Arteta, Rodwell, Pienaar and Cahill. Everton's academy also continues to outperform their Merseyside rival with Ross Barkley the latest product. Unless Everton suffer a wave of injuries they should finish the season in the top half of the table.

Everton's rearguard has not been in a miserly mood this season. I put this down to defensive weaknesses in midfield rather than the back four, which, when combined with Howard in goal, looks strong. Everton have not had a regular defensive midfielder this season with Rodwell and Fellaini in and out of the side with injuries, which has hampered them. However, when fully fit, this pairing ought to form a formidable midfield partnership.

In attack Arteta and Pienaar have not reached the standard of their performances last season, but still remain Everton's most inventive players. Pienaar looks a little dejected and looks intent on a move elsewhere. Cahill has had a fantastic season in front of goal, which is just as well given Everton's weakness up front. The primary reason that Everton are not higher up the table is due to the quality of their strikers. Louis Saha is the most gifted, but is far too susceptible to injuries to be relied upon. Yakubu once a regular scorer of 15 goals plus a season looks unfit and unmotivated and Jermaine Beckford and Victor Anichebe look a little out of their depth at Premier League level. 

Everton desperately need a striker. Moyes will be looking to buy this January. Robbie Keane is being hawked around, but would not be suited to playing on his own up front in Moyes's preferred 4-4-1-1 formation. A candidate better suited would be Kevin Doyle who performs this role regularly for Wolves, but is unlikely to be available, or perhaps even Jay Bothroyd for Cardiff. However, Moyes will probably sign a striker from abroad or on loan due to the excessive prices of Premier League strikers.

Everton are only two or three additions away from being a very good side.


Current position: 15th

Predicted position: 13th

First XI (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Baird; Davies, Murphy, Sidwell, Duff; Zamora, Dempsey.

Fulham were always unlikely to match their heroic exploits of 2010/11. Premiership survival should always be the priority for a club with currently the fifth lowest average attendance in the division and Mohammed Al Fayed tightening the purse strings.

Fortunately for Fulham they were able to replace the tactically adroit Roy Hodgson with an excellent manager in Mark Hughes. The people calling for Hughes's head in December are utterly deluded. Given time I'm pretty certain that Hughes would comfortably keep Fulham in the Premier League. Hughes did a fantastic job at Blackburn and deserved more time at Man City.

Fulham are a very tough nut to crack, maintaining the tactical discipline instilled in them by Roy Hodgson. Schwarzer is very solid in goal, although at 37 will start to creak fairly soon, and Hughes and Hangeland are one of the better centre back pairings in the Premiership. Their full backs are weaker defensively and add very little going forward; another legacy of the Hodgson era. Hodgson likes his full backs to err on the defensive side. If Fulham are going to progress, their fullbacks will need to be more expansive.      

In midfield Fulham are well balanced. Dickson Etuhu shields the back four and Danny Murphy dictates the rhythm and tempo. I've always thought that with a bit more hunger and drive Murphy could have achieved more in his career. Simon Davies is a good crosser of the ball out on the right flank and Damien Duff can still ghost by people on the left albeit on increasingly fewer occasions. To improve their midfield significantly Fulham in the short term would have to spend big money, which they do not have. Steve Sidwell, who Fulham look close to signing, would be an improvement on Etuhu whose touch is not assured.

Like Everton, Fulham's principle weakness has been up front. Losing Zamora to long term injury was a big blow as he links up play so well and scores his fair share of goals.  Zamora and Dempsey formed a potent strike force last season. Without Zamora Dempsey has not been quite as effective this season. Dembele looks a reasonable prospect, but is not a striker who will lead the line like Zamora. Unfortunately, Andy Johnson looks like a spent force these days. I'm sure that Hughes will add to Fulham's ranks up front in the January transfer window.

Provided that Fulham do not have a run of injuries they shouldn't be in danger of relegation and ought to finish at the top end of the bottom half of the table.


Current position: 13th

Predicted position: 10th

First XI (4-2-3-1): Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio; Lucas, Meireles; Kuyt, Gerrard, Cole; Torres.

Another club in the doldrums. Liverpool fans have not accepted the brutal reality that they are not a big club in the way in which they imagine. Liverpool itself is in long term decline as one of the few places in England with a shrinking population, which could impact on the football club with declining attendances. Liverpool 'fans' in Scandinavia and the Far East will not make frequent trips to Anfield and will probably abandon the club anyway if Liverpool's mid-table mediocrity continues for much longer. The way to judge the strength of a club's support has always been measuring it when 'the chips are down'. The fact that Liverpool's support in their last home against Bolton dropped to roughly 35,000 is not a good sign.

The new ownership position for Liverpool is a big long term positive in the sense that they will not be crippled by the debt of Hicks and Gillett. However, Mr Henry is not going to pump in money on anything like the scale of Abramovich, Sheikh Mansour or even Daniel Levy. Liverpool’s wage bill is already too large, which Henry will look to cut, and their revenue is simply not on the necessary level to compete with Man Utd and Arsenal. Liverpool fans should accept that Champions League football is not a realistic aim.

Nevertheless, the appointment of Damian Comolli is a positive as Liverpool's recruitment has been pretty bad on the whole over the last ten years. Comolli has a proven track record in this respect and his appointment indicates that Henry is thinking more about the long term future of the club. 

Roy Hodgson's sacking was premature given that he inherited a team with only three top quality players: Reina, Gerrard and Torres. Hodgson did not help himself by acquiring more mediocre players in Konchesky, Pouslen and it has to be said Joe Cole, but he should have been given until the end of the season to show signs of improvement. Liverpool should appoint Owen Coyle after Dalglish's temporary spell at the helm. He would certainly bring an end to the decade of negative football practised by Liverpool since Gerard Houllier's tenure.

Liverpool's back four is quite fragile and has been bailed out numerous times this season by the outstanding Reina. Glen Johnson is weak defensively and Father Time is rapidly catching up with Jamie Carragher. Paul Konchesky is simply inadequate. Daniel Agger is Liverpool's best defender, but is rarely fit. 

Liverpool's midfield is not that much better, lacking creativity. The midfield has steel in Gerrard, Meireles and Lucas, but Maxi, Kuyt and Joe Cole have no pace and offer no real incision. The Gerrard long ball to Torres is still Liverpool's only real weapon in open play. I'm surprised that Jonjo Shelvey, a midfielder/striker of real promise, has not been given more opportunities than he has had thus far.

Fernando Torres has received much criticism for his performances this season. Clearly Torres is short of his best form, but given that he has only had scraps to feed off all season such criticism has been over zealous. I'd be amazed if Torres is a Liverpool player at the start of next season. A player of his natural ability should be playing Champions League football.


Current position: 1st

Predicted position: 3rd

First XI (4-3-1-2): Hart; Boateng, K.Toure, Kompany, Kolarov; Milner, Y.Toure, De Jong; Silva; Tevez, Dzeko.

Man City's rise does not fill me with much enthusiasm. I actually feel quite sorry for their supporters as winning when you can buy pretty much any player you want is not very satisfying. I'd actually feel slightly embarrassed. 

Anyway, moralising aside, Man City are very close to winning the Premiership title. I do not think that they will win it this season due to their attacking deficiencies, but they will surely have every chance of doing so next season. Mancini has done a sound job, although I think his set up is excessively negative. Surely he should be picking only two out of De Jong, Yaya Toure and Barry?

Although Man City have been strong defensively this season, their defenders are not outstanding. The reason for Man City's good defensive record owes more to the outstanding Joe Hart in goal and the protection offered by De Jong, Barry and Yaya Toure. Kompany is Man City's best defender, but there are plenty of centre backs around the world who are superior. Kolarov looks rather expensive at £16 million; a left back who has problems defending. Jerome Boateng might prove to be a world-class centre back, but is currently being played out of position at fullback. Frustratingly for England Micah Richards is still as erratic as ever. The much fettered David Luiz will probably arrive this month to improve City's back line.

Man City's midfield is incredibly robust, but lacks the necessary creativity to break sides down. David Silva is the only top-notch creative midfielder that Man City possess. Adam Johnson and James Milner are not quite top-notch. To improve Man City need attacking midfielders of Ozil and Kaka's ilk and wide players of Eden Hazard's promise.

Up front Man City are incredibly well equipped with Dzeko and Tevez which should rival Rooney and Berbatov as the Premiership's most formidable strike partnership. Given time Dzeko should provide an excellent foil for Tevez with his superb link up play and aerial prowess. Whether the ultra-conservative Mancini will play them together up front regularly, abandoning his five man midfield, is another matter. Balotelli has quite a bit of ability too, although his time with Man City in all likelihood will be short lived. Imagine trying to manage Balotelli. I wouldn't have signed him on the basis of his haircut and clothing choice alone.


Current position: 2nd

Predicted position: 2nd

First XI (4-4-2): Van der Sar; Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Nani, Fletcher, Anderson, Park; Berbatov, Rooney.

If Everton have been the most unlucky team in the Premier League this season, Man Utd have probably been the most fortunate. They have been involved in plenty of games that they have deserved to lose, but have gone on to draw or even win. Nevertheless, Man Utd are in pole position, and worryingly for the other title contenders, are showing signs of improvement as they tend to in the second half of the season.

Man Utd's back line is unquestionably the best in the Premiership and by some way. Van der Sar is ultra-reliable in goal and Ferdinand and Vidic is probably the best centre back pairing in world football today.  Evra is also probably the best left back in the world. The reason that Man Utd are top of the table is because of this back line making them incredibly hard to beat. Rafael is also progressing very well as right back, which is just well in light of Gary Neville's recent calamitous performances. You've had a wonderful career Gary. It's time to call it a day. 

The midfield is not as strong as it has been, but already looks stronger than it did at the start of the season. Nani has developed into one of the most threatening wide players in the world, particularly when played on the right flank. Anderson is also finally demonstrating his talent. £40 million for Nani and Anderson no longer looks very expensive. Darren Fletcher has been consistently good this season in breaking up the opposition's play. With Fletcher and Anderson on good form, Michael Carrick is no longer in Ferguson's first XI if Man Utd play a 4-4-2 formation.

Man Utd's strikers look very strong too with Rooney starting to recapture his form. Berbatov has had a very good season and Javier 'Chicarito' Hernandez might be the signing of the season at £7million. It won't be long before he is one of the Premiership's outstanding players. Macheda and Wellbeck are also talented players.

Despite Man Utd's strengths, I think that they will just come short, finishing second to Arsenal. Man Utd's attacking play is not as good as Arsenal's and I believe that they will draw one too many games this season. Rio Ferdinand's recent susceptibility to injuries is also a worry as Man Utd's title hopes would be severely dented if he was to suffer another injury relapse.

Away from the playing the side, the size of the club's interest payments are worrying as these payments, which grow year on year, cannot be met in the long term. Hopefully the Glazers will sell before the situation becomes critical. On the plus side for Man Utd its income from worldwide sales, sponsorship and match days remains formidable.


Current position: 9th

Predicted position: 11th

First XI (4-4-2): Krul; Simpson, Williamson, Coloccini, Enrique; Barton, Tiote, Nolan, Gutierrez; Carroll, Ameobi.

Newcastle United - the enigma. Just when a degree of normality seemed to be descending on St James's Park Chris Hughton was given the heave-ho and replaced by Alan Pardew: a chap with not the most scintillating of managerial records. This decision is pretty incomprehensible. I know that Ashley wants to cut the club's excessively high wage bill and Pardew would be inexpensive, but Chris Hughton can't have been on a princely sum either. 

Newcastle Utd are quite simply the most underachieving club in English footballing history. With the third highest attendances after Man Utd and Arsenal they should have entrenched themselves as a top six club. The club has been chronically mismanaged for so long. At least the club has avoided further disaster by not giving the reins to Alan Shearer who does not come across as being the most perceptive fellow on Match of the Day. Hansen and 'Lawro' seem positively erudite in comparison.

Mercifully for Newcastle relegation should not be on the cards this season, although the FA Cup defeat to Stevenage will not have helped the players’ confidence. Defensively they are fairly strong. Newcastle are spoilt for choice in goal with Krul, Harper and Forster (on loan at Celtic). Coloccini and Joe Enrique are clearly of Premiership class and Mike Williamson has made the transition too. Steven Taylor is a good centre back to have on the bench. Danny Simpson and James Perch are no more than adequate right backs and Newcastle will need to address this position in the future.

The midfield is strong defensively due to the high work rate of Tiote, Barton and Nolan. Tiote has been an excellent signing protecting the back four superbly. Barton and Nolan have also had very good seasons. Barton is Newcastle's best midfielder, which is a bit concerning considering the player's mental instability and thuggish tendencies. When Barton is 'on song' so are Newcastle.  Newcastle’s attacking midfielders are not as good. Jonas Gutierrez shows flashes of brilliance, but not on a regular basis. His work rate is not good enough and often leaves Jose Enrique exposed. Wayne Routledge is not good enough for the Premier League. Hatem Ben Arfa should improve Newcastle's midfield creativity when he returns from injury.

Newcastle will always be strong up front when Andy Carroll is playing. Undoubtedly the most improved player of the season, Carroll has become more of a handful in the air than Didier Drogba. He's quick, his link up play is superb and his shooting is accurate and powerful. Spurs are reportedly going to make a £20 million bid for Carroll this month. For Newcastle's sake it is important that he stays. Leon Best and Shola Ameobi are competent strikers, but neither will score 15 goals a season at Premiership level. Petr Lovenkrands looks past his best.


Current position: 8th

Predicted position: 9th

First XI (4-4-2): Begovic; Wilkinson, Huth, Shawcross, Collins; Pennant, Whitehead, Delap, Etherington; Fuller, Jones.

Stoke City have had another good reason and barring a run of injuries look set to retain their Premier League status. Pulis has retained Stoke's direct style, but has quietly improved the team's attacking play by bringing wide men into the game more. It’s lazy to say that Stoke are a long ball team who don't play through midfield. They are still direct, but the amount of assists that Pennant and Etherington have had this season demonstrates that Stoke do pass the ball through midfield. 

For Stoke to improve further, Pulis will need to look at his full backs and central midfielders. Andy Wilkinson is not a Premiership quality right back and Danny Collins will always be a centre back playing at left back. Whilst playing four centre backs across the back four might shore up Stoke's rearguard, it severely restricts their attacking play.  Stoke do not possess any attacking central midfielders either as Whitehead, Whelan, Delap and Wilson offer very little going forward.

Stoke's strongest areas are its goalkeeper and central defence. Asmir Begovic is a top quality goalkeeper and is probably destined to join a bigger club than Stoke. Huth and Shawcross are one of the best centre back pairings in the Premiership and will probably both move on fairly soon. Up front Kenwyne Jones is one of the most potent target men in the Premier League and Ricardo Fuller is always a handful. However, both are unlikely to score a great deal of goals. Pulis should be looking to bring a striker who can score more goals to play off Jones or Fuller.


Current position: 6th

Predicted position: 6th

First XI (4-4-2): Gordon; Onuoha, Bramble, Turner, Bardsley; Malbranque, Henderson, Cattermole, Richardson; Welbeck, Bent.

Sunderland have had a terrific season playing attacking, passing football. Steve Bruce has done a tremendous job in transforming a side devoid of any creativity whatsoever. With a batch of talented young players coming through, and healthy attendances giving them greater spending power than many, Sunderland should establish itself as a top eight side.

Although they have had quite a good season defensively, Sunderland's principle weakness is still their back four. Craig Gordon has had to make many fine saves this season. Onuoha and Turner are players of potential who should improve, but Bramble and Bardsley are not top half Premiership players. If Sunderland are to improve, they will need replacing. Anton Ferdinand is likely to remain frustratingly inconsistent despite his natural talent. Bruce might make a bid for Wigan's left back Maynor Figueroa when he regains his fitness.

Sunderland's midfield also needs improving if they are to rival teams like Everton. Cattermole and the superb Henderson are strong in central midfield with the luckless David Meyler in reserve, but Steed Malbranque and Kieran Richardson do not quite cut the mustard. They are both good Premiership players, but if Sunderland are to advance they will need to be replaced. Stewart Downing would be a fantastic signing for Sunderland and in light of Aston Villa's current malaise and his north-east roots, Downing might be interested in a move to the Stadium of Light. Sunderland would probably have the money to make a £15 million bid.

Darren Bent is a superb striker, but thankfully for Sunderland is 'not the only forward coming to the party' for Sunderland. Asamoah Gyan is still adjusting to the Premiership, but with six goals already and bags of natural talent, should justify Sunderland's largesse in bringing him to the Stadium of Light. Danny Welbeck is another talented striker with lightening pace (terrorising Chelsea's back four earlier in the season). Despite Ferguson's insistence that Welbeck is not for sale, I wouldn't rule out Welbeck's permanent switch to Sunderland as he is unlikely to usurp Rooney, Berbatov and Hernandez in Manchester United's forward line pecking order. Welbeck should be playing regular first team football.


Current position: 5th

Predicted position: 5th

First XI (4-4-1-1): Gomes; Hutton, Gallas, Dawson, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon, Huddlestone, Modric, Bale; Van der Vaart; Crouch.

Spurs are three players away from having a team who can challenge for the title. Despite Harry Redknapp's proclamations about Spurs' title credentials they are not quite there. Spurs are a joy to watch and play with the swashbuckling arrogance that Man Utd used to play with in the late ’90s with their magical midfield quartet of Beckham, Keane, Scholes and Giggs. Spurs still play with a little naivety that regular exposure to the Champions League will diminish.

Spurs have world-class players in nearly every position and possess one of the deepest squads in the Premier League. Gomes is the best shot stopper in the Premiership, albeit prone to the occasional concentration lapses. Gallas and Dawson is a sound centre back pairing.Gallas is having a tremendous season, although at 33 is nearing the end of his career. Spurs are weaker at fullback. Alan Hutton is not quite good enough at the very highest level and Assou-Ekotto needs to be replaced at left back if Spurs are to improve further. 

Spurs's midfield is breath-taking going forward. Gareth Bale is currently the best left wing in the world and when on form, which is still not often enough, Aaron Lennon is a formidable opponent for opposing left backs. Huddlestone and Jenas have great technique with excellent distribution and Modric would be selected in virtually every team in the world. Spurs are not quite as good defensively in midfield. Huddlestone and Jenas would prefer more creative roles as they are not natural defensive midfielders and Wilson Palacios is very good, but not quite top-class. No wonder Redknapp would love to be reacquainted with Lassana Diarra.

Rafael Van der Vaart has given Spurs an extra dimension in attack and can do everything: pass, dribble, score, and good in the air. As Van der Vaart has cemented himself in Spurs' first team Jermain Defoe will probably have to settle for a place on the bench as he will not be able to lead the line up front on his own with Van der Vaart in the 'hole' just behind. I rate Peter Crouch fractionally above Pavlyuchenko as he seems to link up better with Van der Vaart than the latter. However, Crouch is not world-class and Redknapp will need to replace him if Spurs are to improve. Andy Carroll would be just the man.

Away from the playing side, Spurs desperately need to move out of or expand White Hart Lane. Averaging roughly 35,000 simply does not bring in sufficient revenue to allow them to compete with Arsenal and Man Utd and attract the world's best players (despite charging up to £78 for a match day ticket). The youth team has also failed to produce sufficient top quality players.


Current position: 14th

Predicted position: 15th

First XI (4-2-3-1): Carson; Jara, Tamas, Olsson, Cech; Mulumbu, Dorrans; Morrison, Brunt, Tchoyi; Odemwingie.

West Brom have had a magnificent season thus far playing with their customary panache, but with far more organisation and steel than in their previous forays to the top tier. They should, barring injuries to key players like Brunt and Odemwingie, establish themselves as a Premier League club. Roberto Di Matteo deserves a pat on the back and the admiring glances of bigger clubs than West Brom. Like Ian Holloway he has not spent mega bucks to achieve Premiership survival.

Adhering to the fashionable 4-2-3-1 formation Di Matteo's men are tactically astute. West Brom play in an efficient, disciplined style without the cavalier abandon of Blackpool, not committing vast numbers into the penalty area. They shun the long ball football practised by Birmingham, Stoke and Wolves and keep the ball firmly on terra firma. They are straight out of the modern footballing coaching manual.

West Brom's principle weakness this season has been its defensive record conceding more goals than any other Premiership side, which I found quite surprising. This weak defensive record is due to the individual weaknesses of West Brom's goalkeeper and back line rather than midfield and tactical flaws. Scott Carson is not a goalkeeper who I rate particularly highly. He does not exude confidence, makes errors a little too frequently and his shot stopping would rank in the bottom five of Premiership goalkeepers. The back four is not much better, although West Brom have badly missed their best defender for much of the season: centre back Jonas Olsson. Gonzalo Jara and Marek Cech are not quite good enough, although immeasurably better than previous West Brom full backs. Gabriel Tamas has looked good on occasions, but has not been consistent enough. I'm rather perplexed as to Chelsea's alleged courting of the Romanian.

West Brom's midfield is better than the back four, but needs a little more steel. Mulumbu has been West Brom's principle defensive midfielder and at times has not received sufficient support from his midfield colleagues. Dorrans, Morrison, Thomas and Tchoyi need to remember their defensive duties. In an attacking sense the midfield is much stronger with Brunt the star of the attacking midfield trio behind Odemwingie. His dribbling, shooting and free kicks have certainly not gone unnoticed this season. West Brom will struggle to keep Brunt for much longer if he maintains his current form.

Up front West Brom are very light, but this has been masked by Peter Odemwingie's excellent first season in the Premiership. Behind Odemwingie the cupboard is bare. Simon Cox is talented, but is very much the 'fox in the box' who would not be able to play on his own up front in West Brom's 4-2-3-1 formation. Miller, Fortune and Bednar offer little threat. Di Matteo will look to offload this trio and bring in reinforcements to support Odemwingie.


Current position: 20th

Predicted position: 16th

First XI (4-4-2): Green; Jacobsen, Gabbidon, Upson, Ilunga; Collison, Noble, Parker, Behrami; Piquionne, Obinna.

West Ham are in a bit of a mess. A squad littered with too many mediocre players is struggling and is in grave danger of relegation. Avram Grant has received considerable criticism this season, but West Ham would be ill-advised to sack him mid-season without a very good replacement lined up. Grant has not had a great deal of luck with important players like Collison and Noble sidelined through injury. However, I would criticise Grant's constant tinkering with his line up as this will not give his players the chance to build up a rhythm and fully gel. If Grant has not worked out what his first team is after 22 games then maybe he does deserve to go.

West Ham's problems principally lie in their disjointed, rudderless back four. Matthew Upson's form has dropped alarmingly this season and Tomkins and Ben Haim do not look very convincing. Gabbidon is a good player, but is usually on the treatment table. Jonny Spector is a woeful right back and Herita Ilunga does not instil confidence. Lars Jacobsen (a cast-out from Blackburn) is no more than competent. So desperate is the situation that Grant has started to play four centre backs in his back four, which I would say is ill advised. Recruitments in January are vital.

The position in midfield is rosier. West Ham will always have a chance with Scott Parker in the team who deserves to be playing for a club higher up the Premiership table. Mark Noble is a similarly combative midfielder who West Ham have missed for most of the season thus far. With Parker and Noble in the centre West Ham's midfield is robust. The problem with West Ham's midfield is that it has no natural width. Collison and Behrami, West Ham's best creative midfielders, prefer to play in the centre. The only natural wide player that West Ham have in the first team squad is Luis Boa Morte whose lack of work rate renders him a luxury that most teams cannot afford, let alone West Ham.

Up front West Ham are stronger than most at the bottom possessing three strikers of considerable calibre in Piquionne, Obinna and Cole. Grant knows this and has attempted to play all three at once, which has left West Ham exposed defensively. Piquionne and Obinna have been the best combination this season and Grant should settle on that.

With a fully fit squad and some defensive additions in January, West Ham should have enough ability in their ranks to avoid the drop. Crucially they have the ability to score goals and win games.


Current position: 17th

Predicted position: 17th

First XI (4-2-3-1): Al Habsi; Gohouri, G.Caldwell, Alcaraz, Figueroa; Thomas, Diame; McCarthy, Watson, N'Zogbia; Rodallega.

Averaging just 15,000 bums on seats per game, Wigan will not be able to sustain Premiership status in the long term. Wigan is a rugby league town and without Dave Whelan's backing would find themselves in the bottom tier of the football league. Fortunately for Wigan they have one of the best owner/manager combinations around in Whelan and Roberto Martinez.

Martinez is one of the best young managers in world football and should be destined for a big job one day. Polite, considered and articulate, he is one of the few managers who, in post-match interviews, focuses on his team's performance rather than refereeing decisions. Arsenal should be advised to look at Martinez as Wenger's long term successor as he shares Wenger's vision of football and has the ability to deliver it.

The two opening games aside, Wigan have played quite well this season and do not deserve to be in the relegation zone. Tactically adroit, they are difficult to break down with their robust midfield centre in Thomas, Diame and Watson, and in playing their neat, passing football do not give the ball away easily. It's a shame that more English teams do not play in a similar style as the national team would be in far greater shape if this was the case.

Wigan are stronger defensively than in attack, which owes more to their set up rather than outstanding defensive individuals. Al Habsi in goal is the most talented member of their rearguard and Martinez will be hoping that he can sign the talented goalkeeper on a permanent basis. Alcaraz and Figueroa aren't far behind Al Habsi in talent. Steve Bruce is long term admirer of Figueroa having managed him during his time in charge at the DW. However, Gary Caldwell and Gohouri are fairly mediocre with limited close control and would not feature in the first XI of nearly all Premiership sides.

The midfield is disciplined and well organised with Thomas and Diame offering a strong protective shield for the back four masking Gary Caldwell's and Gohouri's deficiencies. Ben Watson has improved considerably becoming far more than a midfield terrier adding guile and creativity to his repertoire. Unfortunately, as is often the case, Wigan's most talented player is Charles N'Zogbia who is clearly a bit of a pain. His days at Wigan are surely numbered, but if he was to go this month, Wigan's survival prospects would look a lot bleaker as Wigan's best performances have come when Charles is 'on song'. James McCarthy and Victor Moses will be very good players in the future and losing them both to long term injuries has hurt Wigan.

Wigan have a superb striker in Rodallega who won't remain at Wigan for much longer. Quick, powerful, good in the air, possessing assured close control and the ability to dribble, Rodallega ticks all the boxes. Behind Rodallega there are a dearth of options. Franco Di Santo looks cumbersome and unthreatening, although he looks positively serpentine compared to the hapless Boselli. Signing Boselli is unquestionably Martinez's worst managerial decision. I'm sure that Boselli has talent, but his style is not well suited to the rough and tumble of the Premiership.

To survive, Wigan's big guns: Al-Habsi, Alcaraz, Watson, N'Zogbia and Rodallega, will need to stay fit. Wigan's squad, perhaps the thinnest in the Premier League would not be able to cope without them.


Current position: 18th

Predicted position: 20th

First XI (4-5-1): Hennessey; Foley, Berra, Craddock, Elokobi; Fletcher, Milijas, Henry, Hunt, Jarvis; Doyle.

Mick McCarthy is a difficult man not to like, but his teams more often than not go down at this level. Wolves are not a bad side, but in a season where there are no bad sides and 40 points will be needed to avoid the drop, I don't fancy their chances.

Wolves have had an odd set of results this term. Victories against Chelsea and Liverpool have been offset by defeats against West Ham and Wigan. The reason for apparent better performances against better sides is not hard to fathom. Wolves have a fairly defensive set up with their five man midfield and prefer to play on the counterattack. Feeling the need to beat teams like West Ham and Wigan, Wolves become more expansive in their play trying to break the opposition down (which they struggle to do), leaving themselves more exposed. Wolves are at their best with their tight 4-5-1 set up. 

Wayne Hennessey is a promising goalkeeper having wrestled the starting position away from Marcus Hahenmann. Unfortunately, he has a back four in front of him which vies for the distinction of worst back four in the Premiership. It speaks volumes when your best defender is a 35 year old with no pace: Jody Craddock. Craddock's return from injury is eagerly anticipated. Kevin Foley would be an accomplished right back, but McCarthy has played him in midfield for much of the season. Zubar, Stearman, Berra and Elokobi, although the latter is improving, never look very comfortable. Surely McCarthy will look to strengthen his back line in January?

The midfield is not very creative and is overly reliant on Matt Jarvis's darting runs from midfield. Milijas is creative, but has little impact in a team who commit so few men forward. The rest of Wolves’ midfielders offer work rate and little more in Jones, Henry and Hunt. It's a shame that Michael Kightly is injured for the foreseeable future, as with him and Jarvis in the same team Wolves would have a major threat down the flanks and would be very exciting to watch.

Up front Wolves have a plethora of talented strikers, although McCarthy usually starts with only one. Kevin Doyle leads the line superbly considering the poor service he receives and the huge amount of work he is expected to put in playing on his own up front. Without him Wolves would be in big trouble.  Doyle has the ability to play for a top ten club. Behind Doyle Wolves have the naturally talented Ebanks-Blake and another good striker in Steven Fletcher. Both would be selected in many of the other bottom teams' starting elevens. Stephen Ward and the promising Sam Vokes aren't too bad either.

Jarvis and Doyle apart, Wolves' current starting XI is not strong enough to survive another season in the Premier League.

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