Graphic by ` sports expert Michael Brown
A mini-league appears to have formed between the teams in 7th-11th place in the Premier League table, but which of them can progress to the European places?
I would be surprised if anyone on these teams could give me that answer at this point. So many questions hang over this battle – what positive or negative rebound will teams experience after recent results?
What turnaround will West Ham bring? Chelsea are showing little sign of improving their performance at a time when they need it, so their squad and attacking ability could see them move up the table quickly. Wolves always surprise everyone. If they managed to reach Europe this season it would be incredible. It would be great for Gary O'Neil and the team to get ahead of Brighton, Newcastle, West Ham and Chelsea. With Newcastle they have the team cohesion and the understanding with Eddie.
The truth is: who do I think will be on top at the end of the season? I really do not know it. I couldn't name a single one, I couldn't say one team was the favorite. With the support and home form they have, they could face Newcastle United. If they just pull themselves together a little, they'll probably make it.
The question of who needs these European places most is also difficult.
Chelsea haven't performed if they don't get it, that's just a given. Brighton could say, “Well, we were ready to push for it and we're back in a European position.” Newcastle would be in for a huge disappointment after last season. West Ham would try to get it and would have been in a good position, but would they have said they would finish ahead of Newcastle United or Chelsea? I don't think they would do that, but West Ham fans will expect it.
This season, because of players like Aston Villa, this is a team that everyone can look at and say they have achieved great things. Think of Brighton and the complete turnaround of the players they had. They are still in good shape, contributing and could finish seventh and that would be an incredible season for them.
Michael Brown spoke to ` Sport's Nicola Pearson
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