Despite the best efforts of certain clubs last season, relegation and promotion remains an integral part of the Premier League.
As always, the fight to stay in the Premier League will be one of the main storylines of the season.
Currently, the three promoted teams – Brentford, Watford and Norwhich, are the bookies favourites to go down. Crystal Palace and Southampton are also in the mix.
Below we preview the three promoted Championship sides’ chances of remaining in the Premier League.
Read: Premier League Preview – The Race For Europe
Norwich
The Canaries are 8/11 to be relegated back to the Championship after winning it last season. They had the best league record of the bunch of the promoted teams, which should stand them in good stead. However, they have been promoted and relegated five times since 2011. They are the archetypal yoyo club.
Watford
Championship runners up Watford are 11/10 to be relegated under manager Xisco Munoz. They won promotion with a solid defensive style, but struggled to score goals. They scored only 19 goals in 23 games away from home last season. It’s difficult to see their attack being potent enough to sustain survival.
Read: Premier League Preview – The Title Race
Brentford
Brentford will be everyone’s second favourite team this season. They really have something for everyone. Underdog status, having not been in the top flight in 74 years. They appeal to Hipsters with their suave, data lead approach to tactics and recruitment. They also appeal to the old guard, with their brand new stadium built in the style of a traditional ground and old fashioned target man Ivan Toney.
Of all the promoted teams, they have the widest range of outcomes. They are similar to Leeds in that they have a defined style of play they won’t deviate from. They could have a ‘Leeds’ season and finish around 10th, or they could finish last. Time will tell.
