Mystic Geoff

It’s frightening how quickly time flies. It seems like only yesterday we were looking ahead to the new season with some optimism – it’s a shame that it hasn’t quite turned out like that, isn’t it?

Premier League status is nearly achieved with decent results against Hull and Sunderland, even if the performances haven’t been entirely satisfactory, but we can’t really afford to rest on our laurels. Wins are still paramount to ensure that we don’t get sucked into the relegation fight with just a few games to go, so three points this weekend would definitely be welcome.

However, let’s be honest, it will be difficult. Liverpool have been scoring for fun and whilst I remain an optimistic fan, I would be seriously satisfied with a draw. But what does the rest of the season hold in store? Time to put on my “Mystic Meg” hat and see where the points are coming from.

Arsenal (a) — memories of the win at the Emirates in their first season back still loom large, but despite the Gunners’ seemingly failed title charge, it’s still going to be tricky to get points here. A draw would be a decent result, but another Chelseaesque performance will be needed. 0 points

Crystal Palace (h) — a relegation rival who picked up initially under the guidance of Tony Pulis, but who has also recently slipped back in the direction of the relegation zone. This is an excellent chance to get a win under our belts after two tricky fixtures, and I think we’ll take that opportunity (but it might be close, a la Hull). 3 points

West Brom (a) — another rival for the drop and a team who appear to have had a pretty awful run of results but have, in the main, done just enough to keep out of the drop zone. I suspect that ourselves and West Brom won’t be too far apart in the league come the end of the season, and we’ll both be in the Premier League next time around. 1 point Tottenham (h) — not much that needs to be said about this one. If the players aren’t up for it, then there’s no hope.

Tottenham are (it pains me to say it) a decent side but they are prone to their off days. Plus, we always seem to beat them these days (that’s put the mockers on it). 3 points Man City (a) — in order to get anything from this game, we have to hope that the league has already been won. My suspicion is that since the title might go down to the last day, we have to hope that the relegation race doesn’t. 0 points.

Whilst we’re just a few points from safety, I noticed on a forum recently that one poster said that they just wanted the season over with, and it’s hard to disagree with that. This season has been largely disappointing, what with injuries, and results

Survive, though, and perhaps — just perhaps — with some quality additions, we might have a better time of it next time around with or without Sam Allardyce. That’s a different debate though! Enjoy the game — and support the team, whatever happens!