17th place after 22 games over past 10 years

We talk about the ?40 point? marker to survive but less then 40 points was sufficient 7 times in the past 10 seasons. The average points tally for 17th place over this period was 37.9 points.

When I looked at the points tally of the 17th club after 22 games - . the points won at that point were as follows (with the season?s final points tally in brackets) ? 23(40); 20(35); 20(35); 21(36); 22(38); 22(38); 18(34); 22(39); 20(44); 21(40) ? an average of 21.3 points for 17th place after 22 games.

Generally the fewer the points at the 22 game marker so the fewer are needed at the season?s end ? although this came unstuck in 2002/03 when Bolton finished in 17th place with 44 points (the highest tally in 10 years) despite having only 20 points after 22 games.

This season Bolton currently occupy 17th place with 19 points. Only 2004/05 (ironically of course) saw a lower 17th place tally after 22 games ? Palace with 18 points after and the lowest end of season tally ? WBA with 34 points, as we all know only too well.

So 35 or 36 points may well be enough ? based on the above for 17th place ? but maybe not! Something for USA_canary to get his statistical teeth into I reckon! Me ? I?m off; I nee to get out more!

Posted By: robert_rosario, Jan 22, 13:52:48