As the Premier League season progresses, the battle to avoid relegation becomes increasingly intense. Teams at the bottom of the table fight tooth and nail in every match, knowing that every point could be the difference between staying up and facing the drop.
What Are The Betting Odds For The Favourites To Go Down?
This year, a few teams have emerged as the favourites to face relegation, each with their own unique challenges and potential paths to survival. Before we delve into the situations of each team, it’s useful to see who the bookmakers are pegging for the drop.
The bookies’ odds are more than just numbers; they are a reflection of comprehensive analysis, public sentiment, and the cold hard results of each team. These odds offer a glimpse into the future that many fans and punters alike rely on to make informed decisions. Think it’s too tight to call at this point in the season? You could always try free bets to limit your risk, but let’s see what the bookies think:
Everton – 1/20
Nottingham Forest – 1/6
Luton – 4/6
Burnley – 9/4
Sheffield United 7/2
Sheffield United
After securing automatic promotion from the Championship, Sheffield United find themselves in a precarious position this season. Known for their fighting spirit and tactical discipline, the Blades have struggled to find consistent form. Their leaky defence paired with an attack that has struggled to produce goals has left them at rock bottom of the league table, on a goal difference of -43.
After an embarrassing 5-0 loss to Brighton last weekend, it’s imperative that Sheffield United bounce back with a result against Wolves to begin their push out of the relegation zone. However, with Arsenal and Manchester United coming up within the next few weeks, it doesn’t look good for Chris Wilder’s men. As favourites to go down, could Sheffield United surprise everyone with a late push out of the relegation zone?
Burnley
Burnley sealed automatic promotion to the Premier League after winning the Championship with an impressive 101 points. Vincent Kompany’s team played some electric football in the second division of English football but have struggled to find their feet in the top flight. With just 13 points in their first 25 games, it doesn’t look good for the Clarets.
On a slightly positive note, Burnley only have to play one of the ‘Big 6’ over their next 9 games so there could be a good opportunity for Kompany’s men to pick up some much-needed points. Traditionally, Burnley’s strength has been a solid defensive setup, and whilst this has been less reliable this season, they may have to revert back to old ways to grind out some crucial results. Survival will likely hinge on recapturing their defensive solidity and finding a way to score crucial goals, particularly against teams in and around them in the relegation fight.
Luton
The newcomers Luton have made a spirited entry into the Premier League, showing moments of brilliance that have surprised many. However, inconsistency and the harsh realities of Premier League football have exposed gaps, particularly in maintaining performance levels against the top sides. After a shaky start to the season, Luton did start to find some form which helped them pick up some points, but could a few of the recent losses send them spiralling back down to the bottom?
After dropping points to Sheffield United, Luton’s survival hopes will depend on their ability to pull off upsets and secure points against direct relegation rivals, leveraging their underdog status to their advantage. The team must use the home support in their upcoming clash against Villa to try and secure 3 points and push out of the relegation zone. The importance of the Kenilworth Road crowd cannot be overstated!
Everton
Everton, with a rich history and high expectations, find themselves in an all-too-familiar relegation scrap. Sean Dyche’s men are narrowly avoiding the relegation zone on the technicality of goal difference, like Luton, they are on 20 points. After some good form earlier in the season, the toffees have drawn 4 of their last 5 games, dropping a significant amount of points.
It is also worth noting that Everton would currently be in 12th place, if it wasn’t for their 10-point deduction at the start of the season. So, whilst their form isn’t necessarily relegation-worthy, they still find themselves in a battle to stay up. To avoid the drop, Everton need to quickly find a formula that works and rediscover their previous form, possibly by rallying around a core group of players and harnessing the passionate support of their fans at Goodison Park. The coming weeks are pivotal for Everton’s Premier League future.
Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest, in their second season back in the Premier League after a long absence, again face the challenge of securing another season in the top flight. Following a poor run of form in December, the club confirmed the sacking of Steve Cooper, with Nuno Espirito Santo coming in to replace him. After beating Newcastle and Manchester United in the opening two games under their new manager, Forest haven’t been able to maintain their form, picking up just one point in their previous 4 matches.
Currently sitting in 16th place, Forest do have a 4 point cushion above the relegation spots, but any complacency at this point of the season could see them go back down to the Championship. It’s essential that they grind out some important results in the back end of the campaign to ensure they don’t slip into a relegation battle.
The relegation battle in the Premier League is as fierce and unpredictable as ever. Sheffield United, Burnley, Luton, Everton, and Nottingham Forest each have their destinies in their own hands. With teamwork, determination, and perhaps a bit of luck, they all have the opportunity to secure their place in the Premier League for another season, but three teams must go down. The coming months promise to be a rollercoaster ride for the fans and teams alike, with every match carrying the weight of a season’s hopes and dreams.
