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Friday, December 19, 2008

At Half Way Mark: Prediction Re-examined and Fresh Prediction

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The Telegraph/Huw Turbervill
It is the halfway stage in the regular Championship season, and so a chance for me to revisit my pre-season predictions on how the clubs in my 'capital' blog area would fare.

Charlton - Prediction: 6th. Current position: 23rd. My new prediction: 20th.
Whoops. I said: "Alan Pardew has silenced his critics before - and I'm backing him to do it again." Alan who? Temporary manager Phil Parkinson's prospects are not looking great, and to stay up, they may need to get the right man in. Former Valley legend Alan Curbishley on a short-term deal anyone?

Crystal Palace - Prediction: 2nd. Current position: 8th. New prediction: 4th.
Sounds as if I was a long way off, but, like last season, they are putting a sticky start behind them, and have just taken 16 points from a possible 18. They may not pip Wolverhampton Wanderers, Birmingham City and Reading, but they should make the play-offs. They have also managed to keep hold of young wing wizard Victor Moses. He has terrific potential.

QPR - Prediction: 4th. Current position: 9th. New prediction: 6th.I made my informed guess just after a story broke about Iain Dowie having a row with owner Flavio Briatore. There were denials all round, but Dowie went anyway after only 15 games as manager. Stand-in Gareth Ainsworth failed his audition, but now Paulo Sousa seems to be reintroducing some stability. They are still capable of making the play-offs.

Watford - Prediction: 9th. Current position: 17th. New prediction: 14th.
A bad call, it seems. I said Aidy Boothroyd had "to reinvent himself", and they did not start the season too badly, but form fell away and he is no longer in charge. Another relative novice, Brendan Rodgers, a protegee of Jose Mourinho, is the new boss and has just led them to successive wins so there is hope for the Hornets.

Reading - Prediction: 3th. Current position: 3rd. New prediction: 2nd.
I saved the best till last, in particular predicting a bright season for Stephen Hunt, who has been excellent. Reading have had their average moments this season, but still have Premier League pedigree, and striker Kevin Doyle has been superb, scoring 15 goals. The Telegraph

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