It might be early days in the season with just six games under the belt but already there are a few teams that look destined for a long, hard season. In fact, some pundits have already written off some sides survival changes. Of course, with managerial changes almost guaranteed, a transfer window still to come and a whole 96 points to play for there are plenty of twists and turns to come.
Right now, the Premier League odds for the relegation battle are as follows:
- Luton 2/11 (1.18)
- Sheffield United 3/10 (1.30)
- Everton 2/1 (3.00)
- Burnley 9/4 (3.25)
- Wolves 11/4 (3.75)
- Bournemouth 11/4 (3.75)
Contents
Who are the favourites to suffer Premier League relegation?
Luton
Luton wrote a chapter into their history books last season as they won promotion to the Premier League, however, the dream is in danger of becoming a nightmare for the Hatters as they sit winless from their opening five games; they've only collected one point from the 15 available to them. With wins hard to come by and several of their performances being sub-standard many are questioning whether or not they'll come up short of Derby's all-time low points tally.
Sheffield United
Sheffield United are another promoted side that have found life back in the big time a challenge. Last week, their boss gave a rather passionate press conference towards refereeing decisions after his side were denied a first win of the season owing to two late goals. This week they suffered a humiliating 8-0 defeat at the hands of Newcastle. That hammering takes their goal difference to -12, which leaves them bottom of the table.
Everton
Everton enjoyed their first win of the season on Saturday to move up to 15th in the table but, even so, the bookies have them amongst the favourites to suffer relegation. That would be a disaster for the Toffees with their new stadium due to open next season. Their home form – or more to the point their home crowd – could play a huge role but after several years of flirting with relegation that impact could lessen. Generating momentum off the back of this recent win will be hugely important.
Which teams are best placed to escape the drop?
Burnley
Burnley romped the Championship last season with Vincent Kompany transforming their style of play but that progressive football has not yet seen them rack up points in the league above. Currently, the Clarets sit in the bottom three with just one point but they have what looks to be a fairly ‘winnable' month in October. Clearly, the bookies see them improving their fortunes over the coming weeks and months.
Wolves
Wolves looked like they could be in for a reasonable season after a respectable start, however, warning signs have since come to light. When you consider their squad on paper, they're probably weaker than last season owing to a summer of light investment and big players leaving. That means they have no obvious goal scorer and, come January, they might not throw big bucks at the transfer window.
Bournemouth
Androni Iraola has earned some positive reviews since taking charge of Bournemouth in the summer, where, ironically, he replaced the now Wolves boss Gary O'Neil, with the style he's had his side playing. Despite that, along with some summer investment in the playing squad at the Vitality Stadium, the Cherries are still sat fourth from bottom.
Who are outsiders for Premier League relegation?
Brentford
We think Brentford will probably be alright this season but they have only averaged one point per match so far this season, which is not an average they'll want to run on too much longer. With Ivan Toney suspended and then likely to leave the club in January they could run the risk of lacking a cutting edge – particularly as the trials of a long season start to unfold with respect of injuries and suspensions. There is an outside chance they get pulled into a relegation battle.
Chelsea
It would be the most shocking relegation of all time if Chelsea were to fall through the trap door but based on how they've been performing in 2023 the concept isn't a complete impossibility. Chelsea only sit on five points from six games and, worryingly, cannot score goals. The only thing they have in their favour is that they have talented players that should develop over the season and they will throw money at things come January.
