Making predictions at this stage of the season is the most dangerous game possible but CandH’s top blogger Allen Cummings bravely put on his tipping hat to call the last nine games of the season. Here are his forecasts.
Wolverhampton Wanderers is a tricky start. Wolves have no doubt recovered from the fatigue they were beginning to show in March but we are likewise refreshed. I’d like to predict a win but in truth a draw against a good top six side would be a reasonable return (1pt).
If we had played Tottenham Hotspur back in March, when Kane and Song were missing, I’d have fancied us to win. I’m not ruling it out now – we seem to like White Hart Lane – but another draw is my guess here (1pt).
We always seem to raise our game against Chelsea, especially at home. They have a big F.A. Cup quarter final against Leicester City three days prior to our meeting. I’m going for a win here, making it a double over the Blues (3pts).
Newcastle United at St James’ is never easy, although with not much to play for, and speculation of a takeover still circulating, Steve Bruce’s side might not be right up for it. I feel a draw in well within our grasp (1pt).
Burnley are another mid-table side maybe going through the motions. I fancy we could grab a win here but wouldn’t be surprised it we had to settle for another home draw (1pt).
Norwich City’s fate might already be settled by the time we travel to Carrow Road. Not necessarily a good thing. But a repeat of the performance we put in at the beginning of the season should be good enough to see us to victory (3pts).
Watford are likely to be still be fighting hard when they visit the London Stadium. They are a big, physical side and a tough nut to crack. I’m predicting a draw in this one, too (1pt).
There might be some doubt over when we face Manchester United at Old Trafford – if they’re still in the F.A. Cup, this weekend is scheduled for the semi-finals. Whatever I don’t see us bringing anything back from Old Trafford (0pts).
I’d like to think we’d be safe by the time we entertain Aston Villa in the last game of the season. Irrespective of that I believe we are a better side than the midlanders and will take the spoils on the day (3pts).
If my crystal ball has behaved itself, we’ll finish the season on 41 points – and all of us will give a huge sigh of relief!
I will be happy if we reach 38 points, which I would expect to be enough although it would leave us probably needing a last day result. Squeaky bum time.
….ever the optimist 🙂
14 points from 9 games, you say? that would mean a finish to the season that is equal to, or perhaps better than, our beginning to the season. the only time of the whole campaign we scored more points than games played (in 5 games or more). granted, our form was pretty decent going in to the lockdown but all form is out the window now. i don’t think anyone (apart fron Liverpool) is in a position to make positive predictions. no disrespect and i hope you are right but i suspect we won’t know until day 38
I think we are a better equipped and better balanced team to the one that gave us such a good start – hence the 14pts haul! You’re right about previous form being put to one side. But that goes for everyone! Keep the faith mate.