Considering that we have a great manager and the team are starting to look like they can hold their own and then some at this level, what do you reckon we can achieve?
At this point it is about game to game, with the possible change in ownership and a long way to go this season I think it is premature to be looking at this.
Mathematically, first. Realistically this is the best part of a season where we're not pigeonholed into relegation candidates, mid-table coasters etc. As said by blacker than knight I'll reserve my judgement until January. All I'm confident on is that we will survive relegation, but with so much of the season left, even this is no certainty
Anywhere above relegation is positive. Be honest, we are exceeding all expectations so far. Long may it continue.
The title says "highest " realistic target. If that is the question, and if we can get a striker in January, then we could finish around where we currently are. "Most likely " final position would get a different answer.
Bottom 6 but not bottom 3. When I look at our team I see a well drilled group of limited ability players who are currently performing well as a unit. It will not take much to rock the boat, especially in the middle of the park. I think anyone looking at the top half is getting very carried away with a nice start in which we have had a decent run of fixtures. I think we'll get a point a game or perhaps more for the next 10 games and at that point be looking safe but over christmas is going to be tough and we'll drift to 13-16th. I'm fine with that!
11th/12th. After the run of fixtures coming up through December, people will get their feet back on the ground. I think it will be more like 13th/14th to be honest. Staying out of the relegation fight altogether was my idea of a successful season this year and hopefully we will do that.
It's still a thin squad with no real goal scorer in the team any injuries to key players would cost us dearly ..... So far so good staying up comfortably will do for me
As Fredd says the highest target would be a Europa League place. A realistic target would be 13-14th. An absolute must is 17th or above. I am just enjoying it whatever.
Said 13th all the way through pre season so sticking with that for the moment, probably better to review in the new year.
I think we will strengthen in January and we will be more of an attacking force from then on. So far it has exceeded expectations tbh. They say you can't polish a turd! Looks like Rafa can!! If he gets his Mr. Sheen out and rubs like fcuk, we will finish 10th. Up the Rafalution!!
With Everton's poor start, any placement from 7th to 20th is very possible. I expect Crystal Palace's results to improve and, a quarter of the season gone, it's far from clear which clubs will be relegated. With the spirit in the camp and potentially more positive news to come, my guess is we're likely to finish the season in a mid-table position, 10th-13th. A problem arises if positivity drains due to injuries mounting and a takeover fizzles and fails...
I know it says highest expectation, but I am still not looking beyond surviving. We've played 9 games and done brilliantly compared to what I expected, but until we hit 40 points then I won't allow myself to look beyond that. The time to do that is later in the season when/if we reach a point of safety.
7th in the table looks pretty impressive but we are only 6 points above the relegation zone so we can't get complacent.
Exactly this. We seem to be doing enough to get points and that's what matters. Substance over style this season that we can build on. If we can stay mid table all season that's enough for me as my heart can't take another relegation battle.