1. Chelsea-- The Blues will be #1 until someone can knock them off their perch. An interesting match sunday versus Liverpool should show more of Chelsea's dominance before matching up versus Clint Dempsey and the Cottagers of Fulham.
2. Arsenal-- Good thing we don't take into account the CL matches as the Gunners were outplayed by Shakhtar in a humbling performance. A sunday home match versus yo-yo Newcastle should be fun this week.
3. Manchester United-- The only EPL team without a win this season looks to keep form and build up for an intercity match versus hated rival Manchester City. In other news, Ronney is coming to the US to continue rehab on that nagging ankle injury.
4. Tottenham-- With the most exciting and possibly best playing member of the EPL, Gareth Bale, at top form, this could be a nice streak of wins for the Spurs. One caution is that Spurs tend to play down to their competition.
5. Manchester City-- Talk that City could contend for the title seems so long ago as City cannot buy a win lately even with the richest owner in Europe. Carlos Tevez is back in town and looking good for playing time which would much improve the City finishing.
6. West Bromwich-- Another team in the top 8 that took an embarassing loss in getting smacked by Blackpool last week. Looking to rebound with a home match versus struggling City squad may be the tonic they need to get over Blackpool.
7. Newcastle United-- Coming off their most dominant performance of the season, Newcastle gets to see just how good they are with a trip to Emirates Stadium for a match versus top 2 team Arsenal.
8. Everton-- This week's match versus Blackpool should be a barometer for their chances as the season rolls along. They are more talented and need to make sure that they finish rather than letting the opponents stay in the match.
9. Blackpool-- I never thought I would write 10 weeks into the season that a 5 loss team would be top 8 but Blackpool keep pulling out wins when unexpected. Who knows, maybe all they know to do is win or lose, nothing in between.
10. Fulham-- Clint Dempsey showed some of the form that lead people to believe he is the best American soccer player in the EPL. If the Cottagers can continue to get goals from him, they can move up the table even more and contend for a Europa League shot.
11. Liverpool-- Maybe this is a bit optomistic but the Reds seem to be much more controlled and at ease with the ownership situation resolved. After all the trouble to start the season, a midpack finish with a healthy squad would be very much welcomed.
12. Bolton-- This defensive squad will never contend for titles in the EPL but look like a comfortable contender to stay midpack yet again.
13. Aston Villa-- The loss of Emile Heskey for a month is a hard blow but its not like he was putting the ball in the net. Goals are at a premium right now an must be scored at a better pace to contend.
14. Sunderland-- I am hesitant to move Sunderland above this spot after seeing that no one can score expect for Darren Bent for this squad. Unless someone steps up, this squad will continue to be around 14th to 17th all season.
15. Birmingham-- Another squad that is struggling to put balls in the net which is severely hampering them. Last weekend was the 3rd 0-0 tie of the season for the Blues.
16. Stoke City-- Just motoring along with a mid to low table spot as always, they look to survive relegation but not much else to be excited for this season.
17. Wigan-- Wigan looked good for about 3 matches and then ran into Fulham who easily handled them in a 2-0 win. It will be a season long fight to survive relegation but they are above the line so far.
18. Blackburn-- A rough and tumble squad that is having a hard time playing the draws they are used to. They played an excellent match versus Chelsea last week but did not have the class to finish and lost 2-1. While still a loss, it is definately something they can build on.
19. Wolverhampton-- Their first win of the season since an opening day win versus Stoke, the win over City was an unexpected upset. Maybe this is the catalyst for the rest of the season.
20. West Ham-- 19 points out of 1st only 10 games into the season is probably not where the Hammers thought they would be. Last in the table probably isnt either. I just dont see a way that the Hammers can pull out of relegation this season. Enjoy the Championship Hammers, it was nice having you.
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