Newcastle Going to Europe and Other Predictions as the EPL Table Takes Shape

The English Premier League is five games into the 38-game 2010-11 campaign. The table is pretty much meaningless for the first couple of weeks.

But now that we're into the middle of September, the PL table is beginning to take shape.

Here are a couple of predictions that I've made about the season when it reaches its conclusion.

1. Wigan and West Ham are going down.

The relegation zone is currently comprised of Wigan, Everton, and West Ham. You've got to figure that Everton has too much class for this to be anything worse than a poor run of form. Wigan and West Ham, on the other hand, have looked pretty abominable this season.

West Ham spent a fair amount in the transfer window after the club was purchased by David Gold and David Sullivan. Yet the club doesn't appear to have gelled.

Wigan have epitomized the words "erratic performers" for a couple of seasons now, but Roberto Martinez's side haven't shown an ability to pull out the unexpected wins against big sides (see their domination of Arsenal at the Emirates at the end of last season).

They're screwed, the both of them. Avram Grant and Roberto Martinez are both Premier League-caliber managers, but their sides just aren't.

2. Liverpool won't make Europe.

Liverpool have not looked good. It's time for Roy Hodgson to flex his undoubtedly flabby muscles.

Liverpool are in 16th place this week—not an unfair ranking in my opinion.

I think that Liverpool are going to miss out in Europe, ownership instability will continue to be a public issue, and the top job at Liverpool is going to become a managerial graveyard.

3. No one is touching Chelsea this season.

Chelsea haven't been close to losing a game this season. Five wins. 21 goals scored. One against.

Arsenal and Man U will finish No. 2 and No. 3, although maybe not in that order. Regardless, Chelsea are going to be champions.

4. Newcastle are going to Europe.

You might chuckle/vehemently disagree with this last one. But hey, it'd be a great story, right?

Andy Carroll is sick. People are murmuring about an England senior squad call-up for the 21-year-old. They also have a stellar manager in Chris Houghton.

Owner Mike Ashley had the club up for sale but took it off the market in October 2009. Regardless of where this squad end up this season, that man has to be relieved no one wanted his angry football club.