The Premier League season is back, and while the focus is often on the title race and European qualification, there is another battle going on – the fight to avoid relegation. Several teams are desperate to stay in the Premier League, but the odds are stacked against some of them.
Leicester City, the 2015-16 Premier League champions, are facing a tough season ahead. With the departure of key players and the possibility of a points deduction looming, survival will be a challenge for the Foxes. While new manager Steve Cooper brings experience to the team, their modest spending on new recruits may not be enough to keep them afloat.
Ipswich Town, newly promoted to the Premier League, have spent big in the summer transfer window. However, the jump from League One to the Premier League is a significant one, and manager Kieran McKenna will need to work some magic to keep them from relegation.
Southampton, under manager Russell Martin, will need to find a balance between their possession-based style and results on the pitch. The additions of Ben Brereton Diaz, Adam Lallana, and Charlie Taylor bring experience to the squad, but whether it will be enough to secure their Premier League status remains to be seen.
Everton’s season is clouded by ownership uncertainty and the departure of key players. However, supporters are optimistic about their prospects, with new signings like Jack Harrison, Jesper Lindstrom, Iliman Ndiaye, and Jake O’Brien bolstering the squad. Manager Sean Dyche will be looking to build on that positivity and steer the team away from relegation.
Nottingham Forest, despite overcoming a points deduction last season, are looking to avoid a repeat. With new signings like Elliot Anderson and Nikola Milenkovic, they are hoping to strengthen their squad. However, questions remain about their creativity and goal-scoring abilities, which could be a cause for concern.
While Wolves and Brentford are also considered vulnerable to relegation, the season ahead is unpredictable. With the Premier League known for its surprises and upsets, anything can happen as teams battle to stay in the top flight. The fight against relegation is often as intense and dramatic as the race for the title, and fans can expect a rollercoaster of emotions as the season unfolds.
