By competing in the top-flight week in, week out, teams can access serious sums of money–that can be reinvested into the squad, stadium, or the running of the club itself. Three teams each season however suffer the inevitable fate of dropping down into the Championship next year–a league that is notoriously competitive and difficult to get out of.
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With over a quarter of the season played, there are a few sides beginning to temper their expectations for the campaign as we take a look at the sides that are in for a basement battle this year.
Sheffield United
Following a ground-breaking season last year, Sheffield United find themselves in all sorts of trouble at the bottom of the table. With no wins from their opening 10 games, the pressure is mounting on Chris Wilder as the Blades have one point to their name. In addition, the lack of goals is continuing to hamstring them–with just 4 scored so far–the problems are mounting for the South Yorkshiremen.
Verdict: Relegated
Brighton
Graham Potter continues to entrust his Brighton side to play expansive football and they have a squad filled with talent and knowhow. A lack of goals is a criticism often levelled at the Seagulls however, and they will be looking to address that as the season progresses. They have become somewhat of a Premier League stalwart in recent seasons and should be ok again this term.
Verdict: Safe
West Bromwich Albion
The Baggies are the perennial yo-yo team between the Premier League and the Championship, and they have taken a while to get going under Slavan Bilic. Their win over Sheffield United last time out could be a real marker in the sand and whilst they don’t look to have lots of goals in their side, they do look a well-balanced outfit.
Verdict: Relegated
Fulham
Scott Parker has done a remarkable job with Fulham over the past 18 months. He steadied a sinking ship before gaining promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking. His side look to have a serious goal threat this season and have picked up wins already this season but defensively there are question marks and there is still plenty of work to do.
Verdict: Relegated
Burnley
Few managers are more adept at Premier League management than Sean Dyche and he continues to work miracles with Burnley. The Clarets have endured a miserable start to the season however, and certainly look a little thin on the ground in terms of creativity. They are proven at getting out of trouble however and should survive another season.
Verdict: Safe
