thats a very interesting point actually. im not too sure it will affect the "bigger" clubs what with all the under-soil heating technologies and expert groundstaff teams making sure the pitch is easier to play on for the players... but yes, the ground is harder and should make for more scrappier matches as the ball bobbles around and bounces everywhere.
also, worth noting that we are approaching the xmas period of the season now and teams will start to pick up some form as well as injuries (a lot of hamstrings start to go... essien to name but one recently). i expect much more of the favourites to be winning in the next few weeks as teams filter out for their targets etc.
relating to morale and confidence, roughly around february+ teams start to panic and start picking up performances if they have been under-performing and start making those relegation-threatened escape attempts.
just my 2 cents