The Premiership at half-way

At the half-way point of the season, I thought it wise to have a quick review of the season so far, and how I expect the second half to pan out.

The teams are listed by current league position (prior to the Boxing Day fixtures) and the figures in brackets are how I predicted them to finish overall in my season preview:

Manchester United (4)
Have not only kept pace with Chelsea, but are maintaining distance between themselves and the current Champions. Have their key players in form and have not suffered from injuries. Look set to make a real run at the title.

Chelsea (1)
Have not had things entirely their own way this season and have been faced with some key injuries. In a different position having to chase for the title but they have eked out some crucial victories in recent games to keep on the heels of United.

Liverpool (2)
Like last season, started this campaing poorly which has all but ended their title hopes. Recent form is strong and Champions League qualification should be a given, but it would be a miracle if they were to have a shout at the title.

Arsenal (4)
Has been a hit and miss season for the Gunners, and they have struggled at times in adapting to their new home whilst away defeats have hit them hard. The emergence of Adebayor has been a plus but they need to show more consistency if they are to guarantee a top four place.

Bolton (14)
I thought they would struggle this season, but apart from a small dip in form they have been the same old Bolton, with an extra dimension to their game with Anelka in their line-up. With a bit of backing in the January window they could challenge hard for a Champions League spot.

Portsmouth (13)
Home form has been superb this season and they signings Redknapp made have all paid dividends - Kanu, James and Campbell in particular. I expect their bubble to burst at some stage but a UEFA position may not be out of the question.

Tottenham (5)
Like Liverpool, a poor start cost them but they have begun to show some form of late. Have a strong squad and some very good youngsters coming through but their away record is costing them from breaking into the top four.

Everton (6)
Andy Johnson has fitted in well to the side and by and large they have coped with the loss of Cahill. Appear on the fringes of Europe but David Moyes may feel that they could have done better over the first-half.

Reading (18)
Tipped to go down by myself, they have emerged as this seasons Wigan. A great start to the season has tailed slightly but although they have lost more than they have won, wins keep sides up in the Premiership and they have enough to be well placed at this stage.

Aston Villa (12)
The last few games have witnessed defeats and taken some of the gloss off the start made under Martin O'Neill. He has in the main made them harder to beat, but their squad still appears light and lacking in experience. The January window could be a key time.

Newcastle (7)
Have turned things round of late, but have (again) suffered terribly through injuries. Have performed well in Europe which may have been a hinderance early season but should be well placed for a top ten finish.

Fulham (17)
I thought they were in big danger of going down this season, but whilst they have had some bad results, they have pulled out enough results to reside in mid-table. A bad spell during the second-half could see them dragged into a struggle though.

Wigan (15)
Many changes in the squad from last time round and it took a little while to for the new faces to gel. Have had trouble scoring at times and will be looking over their shoulders at some of the sides below them.

Middlesbrough (11)
Gareth Southgate has struggled during his first season in charge and is facing some pressure, although he has been able to pull victories out when most needed. The squad has talent but can be inexperienced and could be another side whose away form costs them.

Manchester City (9)
Recent form has been a disaster and confidence around the club is low. The impressive home form has taken a hit, now winning less than half of the games whilst away form continues to be a problem. Could be a crucial ten game spell coming up.

Sheffield United (19)
Took a little while to adapt back in the top flight but have registered some key wins of late. As ever, it will be wins that keep sides up and it may be that they don't have enough in the squad. However, they are currently out of the bottom three and a good spell could take them clear.

Blackburn (10)
Despite the loss of some key players (namely Craig Bellamy), it is a surprise to me they have struggled so much and have yet to string a run of results together. They could be under pressure if the bottom three start to get things together.

West Ham (8)
A turbulent season after being so succesful last time round. Two Argentinians, a takeover and Pardew's sacking later Alan Curbishley takes over and they should be strong enough to start moving away from the drop zone.

Charlton (16)
A disaster of a season and with Pardew's appointment are now on their third manager of the season, having axed both Dowie and Reed early on. Pardew has a big job on his hands but a new guy in charge can herald a change in fortunes - something they desperately need.

Watford (20)
Right where I thought they would be. Have an uncomplicated style to grind out results but do not have the quality to string the wins together to stay up. Will work hard and keep plugging away but will be the first to go down this season.