The Premier League title race is almost impossible to call after both Manchester City and Liverpool were neck and neck all the way until the last day of the season.
This year is likely to see another two horse race. Down at the bottom of the division it’s a lot more complex though, with any of around nine teams having a realistic chance of relegation if they hit a bad spell of form.
In the Premier League betting markets Sheffield United are favourites to face the drop at -137.5, but with chaos at Newcastle, and poor seasons for the likes of Brighton and Burnley last season, it really could go any way.
We take a look at the main candidates for relegation into the Championship come the end of the season.
Sheffield United
Sheffield United are favourites to go down with sportsbooks like William Hill and haven’t really done much in the transfer window to suggest they’ll be able to survive following their promotion last season.
They’ve brought in Phil Jagielka who will provide experience and Lys Mousset from Bournemouth in a £10million deal, but there’s little else to write home about.
The signing of Ravel Morrison perhaps shows a sign of desperation and it could prove a long season for the Blades.
Norwich City
Many will be backing Norwich to stay up this season after an impressive title run in the Championship last term. They’re +100 to be relegated though, and it could be down to how badly other teams do as to whether they’ll stay up.
They’ve made a number of signings from across Europe but have also been keen to suggest the players that got them promoted will be given the chance to keep them in the Premier League. A mistake perhaps?
Aston Villa
Aston Villa took the playoffs route last season and are the favoured team with the sportsbooks when it comes to Premier League survival from those promoted last year.
They’ve spent a significant amount of money already with Tyrone Mings, Matt Targett and Wesley coming into the club for a combined £53.5million. That puts them in a good position and Villa fans will certainly be the happiest of the three.
Burnley
Burnley struggled last season, following a number of successful seasons in mid-table and it could be another slog for Sean Dyche’s men if they are to survive once more.
They finished just six points clear of relegation last season, and arguably Villa and Norwich are better sides than all three teams that were relegated last term. That puts them in a precarious position, particularly as the only real improvement they’ve made this season is bringing Jay Rodriguez back to Turf Moor.
Brighton
Brighton stayed up by the skin of their teeth last term and will need to address a number of issues if they’re going to survive in the Premier League once again.
Their lack of goals was a real issue, scoring the second least in the league behind only Huddersfield, and they’ve not signed any strikers this summer which could boost those numbers.
Winger Leandro Trossard has arrived from Genk for a fee of £18million and could help, with a solid record for his former club of around one goal every three games. At the moment their hopes are certainly on him.
Newcastle United
Newcastle fans are already fearing the worst and at +200 the Magpies are well worth backing for the drop.
The loss of Rafa Benitez will harm their chances of survival significantly and with no money to spend and an owner with no ambition or interest in the club, Steve Bruce will be fighting a losing battle until he’s inevitably sacked.
It’s going to be a tough season for those on the Tyne, and as football fans, you can’t help but feel for those on the terraces at St James’ Park.
