The Premier League is regarded as the best domestic league in the world. It’s the most watched, the most competitive and, financially, the most powerful. With that in mind, survival in England’s top flight is more important than ever and relegation is seen as a disaster.
So, who’s in danger of relegation? As always, bookies such as Betway.com have their view and have compiled their odds accordingly, but here’s some additional information to accompany that.
Bournemouth
Pressure is mounting on Eddie Howe’s Cherries side after an inconsistent start and key injuries to star striker Callum Wilson and tricky winger Max Gradel, amongst others. The Bournemouth back four are leaking goals and, although a small fish in a big pond, the momentum from their fantastic Championship campaign seems to be fading. Howe has a tough job on his hands and the January window is looking incredibly important for the young manager.
Sunderland
There’s a new manager at the helm in the mould of experienced Premier League boss Sam Allardyce, but the distinct lack of quality in the squad is hard to ignore. ‘Big Sam’ is capable of turning things around, but is this one relegation battle too far for Sunderland? With a stronger looking Premier League season ahead, the Black Cats don’t seem to have followed the trend and, bluntly put, seem to be a very average side regardless of who’s in charge. Worrying times, even after beating Newcastle on Sunday.
Newcastle
Steve McClaren has come in and promised a lot but delivered very little so far. Keep the likes of Jack Colback and Sissoko fit and the Toon Army could start to improve, but with pressure mounting in the stands and a boss who hardly commands respect, it seems like it’s going to be backs against the wall for most of this season at the club. January, like for most struggling sides, will be important, but is owner Mike Ashley going to put some transfer funds on the table? That’s the question.
Aston Villa
Tim Sherwood has gone, but was he necessarily the problem? With an absent, disinterested owner at the helm it’s always a tricky job to take on at Aston Villa. With no real standout additions in the summer and the departures of Benteke and Delph, it was always going to be a tall order for Villa this season. Now we’ve seen a few games and the table is starting to take shape, it’s probably safe to say that Sherwood’s replacement needs to hit the ground running straight away.
Norwich
Like Bournemouth, Norwich are a newly promoted side desperate to prove the bookies wrong. Tipped for relegation before a Premier League ball had been kicked, the Canaries know what’s ahead. Perhaps that’ll hold them in better stead as, essentially, they can’t lose. There’s pressure, but not the sort of pressure that’s on the likes of Villa and Newcastle; two established Premier League sides. In Alex Neil they have a manager with a point to prove and someone who’s desperate to make a name for himself. There’s hope, but is there the required quality? That’s always been the issue for Norwich.
