The old cliche has it that it's tough at the top, but I imagine Blackpool fans will be claiming it's even tougher at the bottom come the end of next season.
Ian Holloway's men defied the football odds last term and, after a fantastic play-off win, secured their spot in the Premier League. However, unless The Seasiders are capable of working miracles, it seems highly likely their stay will be a short one.
Let's not be under any illusions just how short on resources the club are - they've had to switch their first game of the season to an away match to ensure Bloomfield Road is up to Premier League standards by the time it plays host a top flight side for the first time in 39 years.
So if the Seasiders look destined to sink without trace, then who should those placing online football bets expect to be slipping down to the Championship with them?
Well, if previous seasons are anything to go by it could be any two of about ten teams. The quality at the bottom of the Premier League has dropped off so dramatically in recent years that just 31 points would have been enough for a side to survive.
The usual candidates will be knocking around and the likes of West Ham, Wigan, Wolves, Bolton, Newcastle and West Brom will all be glancing over their shoulders at some point.
If Sunderland can avoid a repeat of last term's mid-season slump they should avoid being caught up in the mix again, but there's no guarantee they will be safe.
Even Fulham could be in danger. Their end of season form was terrible and although this was because the side were focusing on the Europa Cup, they have since lost talismanic manager Roy Hodgson and they are likely to struggle without him.
Whatever happens, it will be tight down the bottom and even Blackpool are unlikely to be cut adrift. A tense season awaits many fans.
No comments:
Post a Comment