In the last 5 years the smallest gap between the last Play Off position and 12th place is 8 points, and the largest 15. Average around 12 - so yes we need to show play off form to finish mid-table.
But it's all about momentum imo. Gaining traction and then keeping it. We've seen Leeds go off like a train and claw back their deficit, and still not go up. Pardews plan is to get back the 10 points asap, see where we are by Xmas, and then push on if we have a shout. The fact is we need the momentum in the 2nd half of the season, not the first. Steady progress up to Xmas will do for me.