Looking up or down the league?

[e17blade]

I’m firming in the ‘looking down’ camp. I constantly check the points difference between us and 18th place. When Wolves play Villa, I will want Wolves to win as that makes us safer, rather than thinking about Wolves being just above us. This negative attitude is probably due to a combination of age and experience.

However... when speaking to other Blades I know, and non-Blades too, the talk of avoiding relegation seems to be mostly just me.

I just checked the odds (after the Liverpool game) and we are 66/1 to be relegated and also 66/1 to qualify for the Champions League. That is amazing.

I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy as a Blade - and NOT because we are doing so well - it’s the whole package. I just need to work on my belief a bit!

UTB

 

[YES Blade]

Win and it's dream about Europe, lose and it's "oh shit, we're still not safe yet".

But after the disappoint of a loss has gone, it's back to being more level headed. We're a mid table team, we'll end up somewhere between 8th and 15th.

 

[Davalon]

I think it's understandable to still look down.

We shouldn't lose sight that staying up is still a hugely successful season.

After such a good start we dont want to lose all momentum in the second half of the season and have a hangover but nonetheless anything above 18th isn't to be sniffed.

The run of games through December to February always looked a crucial part of the season. First a run of games against teams we expected to compete for survival with, which we successfully negotiated, and a run against big clubs and top teams.

If on Feb 1 we're still st least 6 points from the bottom 3 then I'll be well happy tbh.

Nothing wrong with positivity and I appreciate we have a manager who succeeds by not settling for second best, but let's not lose sight of who we are and where we've come from, and what's realistically achievable.

 

[CrookesBlade]

I think it's understandable to still look down.

We shouldn't lose sight that staying up is still a hugely successful season.

After such a good start we dont want to lose all momentum in the second half of the season and have a hangover but nonetheless anything above 18th isn't to be sniffed.

The run of games through December to February always looked a crucial part of the season. First a run of games against teams we expected to compete for survival with, which we successfully negotiated, and a run against big clubs and top teams.

If on Feb 1 we're still st least 6 points from the bottom 3 then I'll be well happy tbh.

Nothing wrong with positivity and I appreciate we have a manager who succeeds by not settling for second best, but let's not lose sight of who we are and where we've come from, and what's realistically achievable.

Fully agree with this.

I'd be disappointed not to get something from the West Ham game but realistically we could lose the next 3 (making it 5 in total) and it still wouldn't mean there is anything much wrong or Wilder needs to start wielding the proverbial axe.

 

[mancunianblade]

We should be looking forward, each game at a time, targetting milestones along the way, starting with the No1 season goal secure our status. once that's done we can play aim for the highest possible league position.

 

[Baaaaaaa Blades]

I think over 70% of the prem teams supporters will always be looking at the points difference between them and 18th until they are mathematically safe and that is every season ! and can't see us being any different

already looking forward to the west ham game , should be a belter !

 

[guancheblade]

Win and it's dream about Europe, lose and it's "oh shit, we're still not safe yet".

But after the disappoint of a loss has gone, it's back to being more level headed. We're a mid table team, we'll end up somewhere between 8th and 15th.

I think this post epitomises what it means to be a mid table team.

 

[blademark]

I'm looking sideways, covering both options

 

[LS16Blade]

I think it's understandable to still look down.

We shouldn't lose sight that staying up is still a hugely successful season.

After such a good start we dont want to lose all momentum in the second half of the season and have a hangover but nonetheless anything above 18th isn't to be sniffed.

The run of games through December to February always looked a crucial part of the season. First a run of games against teams we expected to compete for survival with, which we successfully negotiated, and a run against big clubs and top teams.

If on Feb 1 we're still st least 6 points from the bottom 3 then I'll be well happy tbh.

Nothing wrong with positivity and I appreciate we have a manager who succeeds by not settling for second best, but let's not lose sight of who we are and where we've come from, and what's realistically achievable.

Agreed.

After the Watford game, we had an 11 point cushion over the bottom 3. To have now come through the next 2 fixtures, in Man City and Liverpool away - ones that almost every team in the division loses - and have the gap only trimmed to 9 points, is a reasonable result. Now we can concentrate on doing what we've been good at doing so far and getting a decent haul of points from the next batch of fixtures.

Almost as important as the points cushion is the fact that there are 9 clubs between us and the relegation zone. Just because, say, Watford have had a run to change their fortunes quickly, it is unlikely that all of the others below us, will. Indeed, some of them appear to be on the slide.

Ultimately, it's worth noting that after their defeat at Liverpool, the Wolves manager said that he wasn't thinking about Europe. Rather, he said they were focussed on getting the points to be safe from relegation. Since then Wolves have lost to Watford, of course.

The reality is that for approximately 14 clubs in the Premier League, it is vital not to lose focus on making sure you're around for the next season.

 

[SwissBlade]

We've just played and lost to the Two top sides in the division in terms of depth and quality (Leicester will be up there still but i think City will take them soon) and we still have a positive GD and we're still only 7 points of 4th sitting in 8th. As damage limitation goes, i'd say that a 2-0 last night wasn't too bad, But 2-0 at Man City was slightly undeserved.

With a tough month ahead, two teams with new managers and City again, we will have to be at our best again. But theres no reason to look down the league with the way we approach games.

 

[Harry's Game]

February will be the decisive month as to where we are aiming for, nine points in Feb and we are looking at a top half finish. 3 or less and we then start trying to work out how many points for 17th.

January was always the tough month, three points out of any of the next three games will be priceless, but it’s not the end of the world if we lose all three.

 

[BushBlade]

We should be looking forward, each game at a time, targetting milestones along the way, starting with the No1 season goal secure our status. once that's done we can play aim for the highest possible league position.

That’s what Wilder and the team will be doing. It’s not our job.

 

[Ricky]

Neither, really.

There's no way we don't finish between 8th - 17th.

 

[Selly]

Still looking down - watching us throw top flight football away in the most unlikely fashion on 2 occasions in 25 years does that to you.

Don't get me wrong, we shouldn`t be anywhere near relegation, but the WHU game is huge - not because its WHU, but because its an opportunity in the desert that is Man C (A), Liverpool (A), Arsenal (A), Man C (H) to get some point on the board. Lose against WHU and we could easily find ourselves 5 losses on the bounce and that's a difficult run to pull any team out of.

3 points against WHU would be gold dust in this run. We can then move into February, and some less challenging fixtures, with our first milestone in sight...

 

[hidesbehindapseudonym]

I am looking down. Just want 3 teams (below us) to collect fewer points than us before the season finishes.

 

[GRUMPY BLADE]

I’m firming in the ‘looking down’ camp. I constantly check the points difference between us and 18th place. When Wolves play Villa, I will want Wolves to win as that makes us safer, rather than thinking about Wolves being just above us. This negative attitude is probably due to a combination of age and experience.

However... when speaking to other Blades I know, and non-Blades too, the talk of avoiding relegation seems to be mostly just me.

I just checked the odds (after the Liverpool game) and we are 66/1 to be relegated and also 66/1 to qualify for the Champions League. That is amazing.

I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy as a Blade - and NOT because we are doing so well - it’s the whole package. I just need to work on my belief a bit!

UTB

Go an bang thi head against a wall.

 

[FredZeppelin]

Very simplistic I know but personally, all things considered, I see 9th-11th as a terrific finishing place for us to realistically aim for and expect.
Liverpool, City, Leicester, Chelsea, Man Utd, Spurs, Arsenal, Wolves should finish above us. Arsenal are not 'convincing' at the moment but we know what quality they have.
Us, Palace and Everton are the three 'unpredictables' in the middle section, in my opinion. Could finish higher, may finish lower. Everton should however kick-on under new management.
Given what we know, how well we have done and the uncertainties of 'who will sign who' in the Transfer Window and potential injuries sustained, I think we can/will beat..
Southampton, Newcastle, Brighton, Burnley, West Ham, Villa, Bournemouth, Watford, Norwich. You can make a case for any of these to 'kick on' as well, but all evidence considered and from what we have seen, we should be hopeful.
We are mentally stronger than United teams of the past, more professional and better led.
So very proud of this team/club/manager.
I refuse to be anything but positive.
UTB

 

[DerbyDave]

I copped a bit of flak for suggesting the Norwich (A ) recently was a "must win " game .

It didn't necessarily appear so , but my post was based on the season as a whole ,in knowledge of the tough games ( inevitable losses and possible run of bad form that most clubs suffer yet to surface ) coming up

Sheff Utd cannot lose to West Ham , the bottom teams are now starting to win and at the risk of being a boring old bastard , in 2007 , United were 10 points clear of relegation and seemingly safe

Thankfully with Mr Wilder in charge , a lot of confidence in his ability to make SUFC a permanent fixture in the Premier League exists .. but Strikers without goals? ..it is a dangerous game to play

I'm hoping it all ends well , and probably will , but possibly a little too close for comfort

Peace .. The Chris Wilder led Sheffield United FC has won so many new friends , the story deserves a happy ending

DCFC

 

[blade67]

I’m firming in the ‘looking down’ camp. I constantly check the points difference between us and 18th place. When Wolves play Villa, I will want Wolves to win as that makes us safer, rather than thinking about Wolves being just above us. This negative attitude is probably due to a combination of age and experience.

However... when speaking to other Blades I know, and non-Blades too, the talk of avoiding relegation seems to be mostly just me.

I just checked the odds (after the Liverpool game) and we are 66/1 to be relegated and also 66/1 to qualify for the Champions League. That is amazing.

I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy as a Blade - and NOT because we are doing so well - it’s the whole package. I just need to work on my belief a bit!

UTB

It's not just you. I'm doing a bit of both to be honest.

Be happier when we have anothe 6 points on the board, but that might take a while

 

[Broomhall Blade]

Down.
Can't believe some of our fans have been more interested in what Spurs, Man Utd and Wolves have been doing.
Me I'm more concerned with Norwich, Watford, Villa, Bournemouth etc.

 

[Antonb]

well now im looking down because the gap to relegation isnt that big, 9 points, we need to kick on again and have a nice run, even a number of draws will do just to keep us out of the mix

 

[Bobby b]

I'm in the looking down camp, I remember sitting at the top after the away match at burton, coutes broke his leg and we started to tumble, it only takes something like that this season to throw a spanner in the works. This season is the most competitive premier league ever where even the bottom side getting points off the top sides so youre looking at 40 plus points for survival if not more, look at the table only 10 points separates 3rd from bottom and 6th place which is unheard of in the modern era,

 

[Guesty]

As anyone who has ever read my posts will guess, I'm definitely looking down. Teams currently in midtable will be dragged into a relegation battle, we just need to make sure we aren't one of them.

On the field, my only concern is a lack of depth when fatigue sets in, especially in midfield.

 

[BushBlade]

I'm in the looking down camp, I remember sitting at the top after the away match at burton, coutes broke his leg and we started to tumble, it only takes something like that this season to throw a spanner in the works. This season is the most competitive premier league ever where even the bottom side getting points off the top sides so youre looking at 40 plus points for survival if not more, look at the table only 10 points separates 3rd from bottom and 6th place which is unheard of in the modern era,

That ^^. It’s turning into a very unpredictable season where anything can happen. If we didn’t have Wilder I’d be seriously concerned.

 

[Tezza1889]

We had a great season so far, and I was always thinking 43 points would be where I’d say we will be ok, it was always the target and it never changed over the season for a lot of us regardless of the great start.

I won’t vote “looking down” because I believe the bubble will not burst, we will not go down from this position with this manager.

Mcgoldrick needs to score and fucking quick.. that’s the real concern..

 

[Maidenhead]

Sheff Utd cannot lose to West Ham ,

DCFC

I hope we don't discover that we actually can lose to West Ham

 

[BladeByChoice]

I’m not looking anywhere apart from where we currently are, I think we have found our natural place in the league for this season. The draw against Spurs in November put us in 5th and we haven’t been lower than 9th since then.

I think the top 3 aren’t going to change much and Chelsea, Man U and Spurs will be looking for the last CL place.

That leaves Us, Wolves and Arsenal looking for 7th, 8th and 9th, with 4 points from January and 7 from February I can’t see us finishing lower than 9th.

I’m not thinking about a European place or a cup run, just a top 10 PL finish.

As for relegation, it’s not going to happen, yes it’s a high scoring season but the bottom 3 clubs are still averaging less than a point a match so 39 points will be enough to avoid the drop.

 

[Houston_Blade]

I copped a bit of flak for suggesting the Norwich (A ) recently was a "must win " game .

It didn't necessarily appear so , but my post was based on the season as a whole ,in knowledge of the tough games ( inevitable losses and possible run of bad form that most clubs suffer yet to surface ) coming up

Sheff Utd cannot lose to West Ham , the bottom teams are now starting to win and at the risk of being a boring old bastard , in 2007 , United were 10 points clear of relegation and seemingly safe

Thankfully with Mr Wilder in charge , a lot of confidence in his ability to make SUFC a permanent fixture in the Premier League exists .. but Strikers without goals? ..it is a dangerous game to play

I'm hoping it all ends well , and probably will , but possibly a little too close for comfort

Peace .. The Chris Wilder led Sheffield United FC has won so many new friends , the story deserves a happy ending

DCFC

We can lose to West Ham though. It wouldn’t be ideal but it won’t define the season.

Shouldn’t it be WRDCFC? Are the players getting paid this month?!

 

[Elsecar_Blade]

Depends on the last result - when we win, I look up, and when we lose, I look down. Sooner we get to 40 points, the better we will all feel.

Even if the relegated teams do "well" and get 38-40 points, that's still only a point per game on average. We are nine points clear. We can go on a nine match losing run before we fall into the mire. A result against West Ham would be useful and don't rule us out against City who aren't at their best. I think it's typical Blades pessimism, we've seen it all before. The bookies don't think we'll go down. Neither does Wilder. I want a top half finish, will begrudgingly accept top 12 and I think we're perfectly capable of doing so. A couple of good signings in January would be very useful too though.

 

[CaptainMorgans]

Down. We're not fink finishing any higher than 8th. Survival is still the main objective.