I can remember in the eighties a few pundits, and bear in mind there were nowhere near as many as today, forecasting Man City for relegation as early as October. That wasn't based on City languishing at the bottom of the league, far from it they were mid table. No, it was based on cack manager, cack players and no team spirit. Sound familiar?
They did get relegated so the precedant is there.
I'm not being deluded in any shape or form but I sincerely believe with so many points to play for, complete with the inevitable new manager "bounce" we will stay up in 17th position.