It has been a disastrous season for West Ham so far, this despite a busy summer which saw them break their transfer record ; injuries across the park & ill-discipline from Captain Kevin Nolan isn’t helping. The formula to their season is clear, defeats, unrest and low confidence.
With key players (Carroll & Reid) returning to full fitness & the additions of Borriello and Nocerino they will hope form picks up and quickly.
One thing which could stand them in good stead is their solid defense…they have 9 clean sheets, 2nd most only to Arsenal. It all hinges on February. Home games against Swansea, Norwich and Southampton, as well as a trip to Aston Villa, are incredibly vital matches. They will likely need at least 8 points.
Key Player - Winston Reid
All change is the story of Spurs season so far. The Bale transfer fee was re-invested with a squad over haul; yet they didn’t gel and despite Boas having a record points total up to November he was replaced following hammerings to City (0-6) & Liverpool (0-5).
Spurs have since been in good form under Sherwood, which includes a 2-1win at Old Trafford on New Year’s Day.
They have reverted to 4-4-2 under him & Soldado looks more comfortable alongside a resurgent Adebayor They have found a balance and pace on the wings, with Lennon on the right and Townsend on the left.
A strong finish to the season looms with a battle for 4th Place against Everton, Liverpool and Manchester United.
Key Player - Andros Townsend
2nd season syndrome; a term which has been used plenty of times in the past and can be used for Swansea this season. Having been one of the stand out teams in their first season in the top flight they have struggled to match those expectations this time out.
Injury to key man Michu hasn’t helped, nor has a Europe campaign which has seen them clock up the air miles & mid-week games. Whilst they do have a fairly large squad it seems that some summer signings have yet to find their feet.
1 win in the last 9 is relegation form; though January has been a tough month. Key games to Stoke, Cardiff & West Ham come in Fe.b and if they don’t pick up a couple of wins then dark clouds will form above Liberty Stadium.
Key Player - Chico Flores
How times have changed on Wear-side…rooted to the bottom of the table not so long ago, Sunderland find themselves outside of the bottom 3 and in a League Cup final.
The Paolo Di Canio revolution didn’t last long; following 4 losses in their opening 5 games and rumours of discontent in the dressing room he was sacked.
Replaced by Gus Poyet, some had reservations
All the talk around The Hawthorns this year has been the sacking of Steve Clarke; described as hasty by some & good timing by others it remains to be seen whether it was the right decision.
Their form post Clarke has not picked up, having only won one game since December 14th. Newly appointed Pepe Mel will have to work quickly to keep them away from the drop.
Anelka was supposed to be the man to replace Lukaku for goals…yet his move has only served to bring controversy to the club which isn’t going to help the Baggies cause.
Shane Long has now departed, a little puzzling given the lack of firepower. Signings in January could be key to survival for the Baggies
Key Player - Gareth McAuley
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as to whether he was the right man for the job.
Yet he has steadily turned the club around; they have become solid & determined with the players seemingly much happier to fight for the cause and for their new boss. They have lost just on their last 8.
A Carling Cup final could well make or break their season…depending on the result of it!
Key Player - Vito Mannone
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