We've already covered ten clubs in our midseason review - QPR now kicks off our third installment.

QUEENS PARK RANGERS

Despite a summer spending spree was supposed to ensure there was no repeat of last season’s struggles has singularly failed to bear fruit, with only young winger Junior Hoilett and veteran defender Ryan Nelsen enjoying even a hint of individual success. More importantly, the club’s scattergun recruitment policy has shouldered some of the blame for their lack of on-field cohesion, although their persistent disorganisation at the back suggests a large helping of culpability belongs with now-sacked manager Mark Hughes. His replacement, Harry Redknapp, has orchestrated some measure of improvement during his first month in charge, but ten points from an available 54 represents a colossal failure for a club with the resources available to QPR.  

Midterm grade: F
This should improve under Redknapp but the damage has already been done.  

READING

Things are looking dire for the Royals, who sit bottom despite not having any particularly disappointing individual performances. Jobi McAnuff has been a productive creator from the wings and Adam La Fondre has had his moments up front, but for the most part a sheer lack of quality in all areas has been the culprit for their current plight. In particular, the failure to sign a proven top-flight centre-back has been damaging, notwithstanding the potential of young Sean Morrison. Sterling performances have come against Manchester United and Chelsea (both defeats) but manager Brian McDermott has his work cut out for him to avoid a swift return for the Championship winners.  

Midterm grade: D
This squad needs major improvement to even think about staying up.  

SOUTHAMPTON

It’s been a somewhat frustrating return to the top flight for the South Coast club, who have made their position far more perilous than necessary through careless defending, particularly when in winning positions. Their extensive summer shopping was perhaps too focused on the other end of the pitch, although right-back Nathaniel Clyne looks a fine prospect. On a positive note, wingers Adam Lallana and Jason Puncheon offer a constant threat, striker Rickie Lambert has led the line well, and the Saints have looked more solid since teenager Luke Shaw was drafted in at the back. If Nigel Adkins can reduce the instances of them shooting themselves in the foot, there is sufficient attacking ability to just about secure survival.  

Midterm grade: C+
After a rough adjustment period the Saints’ results have been trending in the right direction of late.  

STOKE

Tony Pulis’ side have never offered a great deal of entertainment value, and this season has taken that trait to the extreme as their 18 games have produced just 18 goals in total, by far the lowest figure in the division. However, that statistic owes much to the fact that the Potters boast the Premier League’s most impregnable defence (only 13 goals conceded), with goalkeeper Asmir Begovic and centre-backs Ryan Shawcross and Robert Huth deserving special praise. Ex-Blackburn midfielder Steven Nzonzi has been a helpful addition, but the results have been more enjoyable for Stoke fans than the football on offer – they currently sit in ninth place and only five points from fourth.  

Midterm grade: B+
The Potters have been hard to watch but equally hard to beat.  

SUNDERLAND

The malaise that gripped the Black Cats at the tail end of 2011/12 has continued into this season, with one win from the first ten games and some truly awful football on offer. The likes of Stephane Sessegnon, Adam Johnson, and James McClean – expected to shoulder the bulk of the creative burden – have only recently shown signs of life, making it all the more astounding that striker Steven Fletcher has managed eight league goals in his 16 appearances since joining from Wolves. The Mackems have been marginally better defensively although that has much do with the superb form of goalkeeper Simon Mignolet and the decidedly unambitious tactics of manager Martin O’Neill. Sessegnon and Co. should ensure that the threat of relegation is staved off, but the fact that it remains a threat is in itself an indictment of their performance thus far.  

Midterm grade: D
An unacceptable showing from a side hoping to consolidate itself in midtable this season.