ClapWhile we may only be a third of the way through the Premier League season, it’s already starting to become clear who the overachievers are – and which teams look set for another year of battling it out down the bottom of the table.
Today, we’re going to have a look at five clubs that are worth keeping an eye on in the always-entertaining relegation scrap.
Leeds
Leeds United fans can be forgiven for thinking things would be different this season under Jesse Marsch but instead, it’s been much of the same with their attractive football undone by poor defending.
They’ve lost their last four on the bounce and if this freefall continues, they’ll need to make substantial changes during the January transfer window.
Crystal Palace
We’ve been led to believe for quite some time now that Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace are a good team, but unfortunately, their end product on the pitch isn’t quite living up to that.
The Eagles are struggling to get results everywhere they turn and sooner rather than later, we expect to see questions being asked of the gaffer and his overall approach.
Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest looked set to follow in the footsteps of their rivals Derby County with a diabolical campaign, and then, they went and beat Liverpool at the City Ground this weekend.
They should still be seen as one of the leading contenders for the drop but if nothing else, this proves that they are willing to scratch and claw to maintain their survival in the top flight.
Wolves
Wolverhampton Wanderers have a squad that should be nowhere near the bottom of the league but due to a parade of issues within the first team, management and owners, they sit in 19th.
Steve Davis will be in charge until the new year, the club have announced, and they need to ensure they make the right appointment from there – or else the Championship beckons.
Southampton
Southampton have spent so many years hanging onto their status as a Premier League club and although we rate Ralph Hasenhuttl as a manager, we just think this is going to be one step too far.
They have a few highlight reel players in their setup but that may not be enough to save them, although a draw against Arsenal suggests that they will ensure they go down swinging – which is what we’d expect from a team with this sort of longevity.
