Doctoroncall

This was Opta’s assessment after 16 games in November: Enzo Maresca’s side have enjoyed an exceptional start to the Championship season, despite losing their final two games before the November international break versus other top-six contenders Leeds United and Middlesbrough. Nevertheless, they still sit top of the table on goal difference with 39 points from a possible 48. Importantly, the gap between them and third-place Leeds is eight points. Ipswich Town are also on 39 points after an exceptional start to life back in the Championship following their League One promotion in 2022-23. Kieran McKenna – the second youngest coach in the Championship – is making waves as one of the most impressive managers in the English Football League. Much of Ipswich’s potential success in the remaining months of the season hinge on him staying in Suffolk, you feel. Could he be tempted by a Premier League position, should one arise? The good news for both Leicester and Ipswich is that winning as many as 39 points from your opening 16 games in a Championship season means you’re likely to get promoted – unless you are Watford. Only two of the 23 teams to have won 35 points or more from their first 16 games in a second-tier season since 1989-90 have failed to win promotion – both were the Hornets in 2000-01 and 2007-08. Of the other 21 sides, 19 won automatic promotion and the other two were promoted via the playoffs. Leeds were predicted third and Saints fourth. 1st: Leicester City – 96.4 average points 2nd: Ipswich Town – 86.2 3rd: Leeds United – 81.5 4th: Southampton – 77.0 5th: Sunderland – 73.9 6th: West Bromwich Albion – 72.7 7th: Middlesbrough – 72.1 8th: Preston North End – 70.8 9th: Hull City – 70.2 10th: Cardiff City – 64.7 11th: Blackburn Rovers – 64.6 12th: Stoke City – 63.2 13th: Swansea City – 62.6 14th: Bristol City – 61.4 15th: Watford – 60.7 16th: Millwall – 60.3 17th: Norwich City – 60.3 18th: Coventry City – 58.9 19th: Birmingham City – 54.4 20th: Plymouth Argyle – 51.9 21st: Huddersfield Town – 49.5 22nd: Rotherham United – 40.9 23rd: Queens Park Rangers – 38.8 24th: Sheffield Wednesday – 33.2 It shows how things can change (slowly) in a long season and plenty still to play for even if odds are small. This is also an interesting article highlighting the competitiveness of the top four: https://theanalyst.com/eu/2024/01/southampton-russell-martin-club-record/

If Leicester win their game in hand, we have only gained one point on them since game 9!

I think with us on such a good run, it is creating pressure on the others to match us on points. Run ins can change if opposing teams need to get points for playoffs or avoid relegation but as we still need to catchup the top two and keep Leeds below us, the current form needs to continue.

It’s really sad these days that people have not the patience to work it out. Tic Toc generation????

So I've heard - very tasty too! Cinnamon and sugar combo the classic.

You going seal clubbing?

Yessss goal! Oh, my feed is now five minutes behind FFS.

didn't work for me with my VPN (for the UK also).

Leicester down to 10 men at half time, but Coventry still had to come back from a goal down.

Mr BreakIt broke the club and I'm glad he's fuck off. I saw a PowerPoint presentation of his to a company I worked for a number of years back... nothing ingenious, plenty of catchphrases and jargon without insight! Unfortunately it wasn't recorded, that would have been worth a viewing.

Keep it going guys on the tremendous work you do for all Saintsweb members and like the new word ‘scoup’. I presume it’s a combination of scout and scoop!

Andrey Santos is available for loan, could be useful when Downes is not available.

As a fan, I look forward to meeting the players and Manager next time I’m down there. Anyone else interested? wouldn't happen, only as he is in the privileged position of PM did this happen and if it’s not an official visit it should be a personal choice. He should have just kept quiet about it.

What countries does this link work with?

Our version of Skynet said ‘yes’. It’s eligibility vs suitability and Rasmus doesn’t know about the latter.

Charlton and Birmingham the form teams out of the top five looking for the only promotion spot. Half way through the fixtures and the last fixture away to Charlton could be important.

Palace are contenders for promotion and they do have a good set up for the women's game.

Well they have more money than Everton and can keep putting up obstacles for the authorities to stumble at before finding out anything useful for a conviction. It needs a courageous whistleblower to come forward.

Happy to build a winning mentality to heal the scar tissue 😜

Will they score within the first 5 minutes of the restart?

Certainly the best team, may not be the best players per position and they were lucky in a few games over the first six matches. It also shows the value of the Manager we missed out on as well.

Odd decision sacking Eustace after the repair job he’s performed and their are currently sitting in sixth place. Let’s see how good Rooney really is when expectations are high.

Palestine was a former Ottoman territory before the shit show with the British deciding they knew best. The Arabs had an opportunity to create a Palestinian state but seemed more intent to keep Palestinians homeless preferring to oppose the creation of Israel. Add to the mix when you had the PLO include the destruction of Israel in their Charter until 1996, which was then taken up by other 'organisations' including HAMAS doesn't bode well for a peaceful outcome. Oh and Israel doesn't recognise the state of Palestine.

Well reassurance of finances is one thing, having control on the playing side is another which is far more of an issue for fans and (hopefully) the coaching staff at the moment.

Not really, this is an assessment as of now, things will change next season when income is reduced (assuming we're still in the Championship) which they'll need to adapt to while still seeking promotion.