After Chelsea, our fixture list seems easier than those of Leeds, Leicester, and Portsmouth. So the question is--will we stay up?
Well, lets take a look, shall we? Traditionally, 40 points is the magic number for safety, and we're assuming that it is going to be a 4 team fight for 1 safe spot. So, we're ignoring Manchester City (30 points), and Blackburn (31). Here's what each team has to look at down the line: Leicester (27 points, -13 goal differential) vs. Liverpool at Leeds vs. Fulham at Manchester United at Blackburn vs. Manchester City at Charlton vs. Portsmouth at Arsenal Portsmouth (27, -14) at Blackburn at Charlton vs. Birmingham vs. Manchester United at Leeds vs. Fulham at Leicester vs. Middlesborough Leeds (25, -28) at Birmingham vs. Leicester at Blackburn vs. Everton at Arsenal vs. Portsmouth at Bolton vs. Charlton at Chelsea Wolves (24, -33) at Chelsea vs. Southampton at Manchester City vs. Bolton vs. Middlesborough at Birmingham vs. Everton at Newcastle vs. Tottenham Certainly, if it comes down to the last day of the season, I think we have the easier match. But, I think we need to steal at least one road win, because I don't want to be in the position of having to run the table at home. If we throw out the Chelsea game, and play for at least a draw against Birmingham and Newcastle, and try to steal the Man City game, and then play to win at home, I like the chances a bit better. Problem is though, some of our losses have been truly horrific, so we have to get into 17th on our own, and not just play to tie the position. Figure every match after Chelsea is a "must-point". I think they can do it, but it'll go down to the wire.
One of the advantages we have is that Portsmouth, Leicester, and Leeds all have matches against teams in the top four. Most of the teams we will face after Chelsea are in the bottom half of the table. However, it is very much important that we get an away win and the best chance to do that is at Manchester City.
It's looking grim at the moment. Luck just dosn't seem to be on our side. Portsmouth seem to be taking advantage every time we slip up and I think they're the team we really need to catch up and pass. We seem to have an easier run-in from now so there is a chance we can stay up, but I'm preparing myself for the worst. Let's cheer on the lads and drown the fat lady out. Come on the Wolves!
I certainly hope so. I really like Dave Jones. I just hope Wolves can stay away from untimely injuries that seem to be their plague this year. First job is to remember that you need 3 pointers and not draws, which I think is within possibility. Take it from an Arsenal fan: draws will kill you. Good luck at Molineux against So'ton.