At the halfway point of the season, 19 games played, we're sitting in 14th in the table with 5 wins, 7 draws, and 7 losses. We're pretty well clear of the relegation zone with an 11 point cushion on Stoke. Stoke has 11 points, Fulham has 10, and Portsmouth has just 3, all draws. We're still getting thrashed away from Liberty Stadium, having conceded 12 in our last 4 away games. However, we did manage a 2-2 draw @ Man City, and a 3-3 draw @ Liverpool, so I've got to be happy with that.
Also on the positive side of things, Eardley returns next match after missing the previous 8 matches with an injury, Owen returns as well after missing the last 3. We'll still be without James Vaughan for another 2-4 weeks with a fractured wrist. He has missed the last 4 games, well 5 considering he played all of 2 minutes in the match that he sustained the wrist fracture in. Luke Moore (*vomits*) has been our striker the last 4 matches.
The rest of December, and January, is our best opportunity to make a run up the table, as we're matched up with Newcastle, Bolton, Fulham, and Portsmouth. The latter two being in the relegation zone, and the former just clear of it. We also have two home matches with Man U and Arsenal. Fortunately, this is our 2nd meeting with both teams and we won't have to see them again. I hope to come out of January with at least 10 points added to our total of those 6 matches.
Back on the negative side of things, our 34 goals conceded are 4th worst in the Premiership. Though, I suspect with a back four of Neil Taylor-Steven Caulker-Leandro Rinaudo-Sam Ricketts, that's to be expected. Williams returned from a lengthy injury last match, and as I said Eardley is returning as well, so hopefully that can help solve some of the leaky defense issues. Taylor has to be the biggest culprit as he really has no business starting on a Premiership side.
