Found on another forum:

Comparing this season's games with same games (as close as possible) last season, we are at minus 14 points.That's right, -14!

I know a comparison such as this is not very reliable but to be at -14 and still be at number two, suggests to me the second half of the season will be significantly harder. This I assume under the assumption that we gathered so many more points last season same for same because many of these games are not supposed to be particularly difficult.

I have numbers to back this claim. Take our away form. Looks impressive but we've had an extremely easy away schedule. The first 8 away games, the average table position for our opponents last season was 13.5. The same number for United was 5.5! By some weird chance, United have met last season's number 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 away already... ie. their away schedule couldn't have been harder. And guess what, now they only have lower half teams remaining away!

Obvioulsy Fergie will be requesting that the FA revise things so they can avoid having such an easy run of away games in the next few months.

As for us...... ;)

that is some scary stats there :o