Quote Originally Posted by The Lone Gunman View Post
I just had a look at the 2018/19 EPL table after 9 games. City had just picked up their first win (against Fulham) and were fourth from bottom on five points. Newcastle United were bottom on two points. They eventually finished in 13th place. However, the teams who were 17th (Cardiff), 18th (Fulham) and 19th (Huddersfield) were all relegated.

Sheffield United, bottom at the moment on one point, have been a bit unlucky so far and have played fairly well in a number of recent games, but they'll have to start winning very soon. West Brom look very weak, while Fulham look decent going forward but their defence is very fragile.

I think Leeds could get dragged into the relegation battle given their cavalier attitude to games, but Burnley have scored very few goals this season and Newcastle are far from great, so I'm sure they'll both be in the mix. From what I've seen so far, Brighton will be fine.

The top of the table could be really exciting this season. Liverpool's injury list is an obvious handicap, Man City are not clicking at all, Spurs look solid in defence and excellent going forward, Chelsea are looking more than decent, while Leicester, Southampton and Everton are all decent too. It's really hard to call.
I'm in agreement with your Leeds synopsis. They don't look great at the back and they leave themselves open to those vulnerabilities. I'm sure Bielsa will have to tighten the reins a bit but that may not work in their favour.

If he can find the right formula, they have the ability to be a comfortable mid table side. The danger is that if they get drawn into a relegation battle, I fear they'll try and attack their way out of it and make things worse.

Either way, it won't be a dull season with them in the PL! Dare I say it, but I have a sort of begrudging admiration for the way they've had a go this season. One can only speculate as to what might have happened had Warnock been a little more positive in the opening months of the season....