After six games some teams are under pressure to maintain their Premier League status.
The bottom five include Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Fulham, West Ham and Newcastle and all are at some risk of playing Championship football next year.
Here is my thoughts on these five teams survival hopes.
Sunderland – 20th on 1 point
The sacking of Di Canio has been well documented and highlights the clubs instability.
Other than the currently injured Steven Fletcher they lack a regular goalscorer with Altidore, Ji, Wickham and Borini all seemingly lacking the ability to get on the Premier League score sheet.
I can’t really see them getting relegated even though they occupy last position due to the fact that they have plenty of experience in the midfield and defence.
Relegation Chance – 50%
Crystal Palace – 19th on 3 points
Palace are a side who are clearly trying to play football however they lack the quality to do so successfully.
They have the lowest pace percentage in the attacking third and also lack a Premier League quality goalkeeper in Speroni, Alexander and Price which is vital in picking up tight wins and scrappy draws.
On the plus side Holloway seems to have built a squad for the future so perhaps their fortunes could turns, I doubt it will be this season however.
Relegation Chance – 90%
Fulham – 18th on 4 points
Fulham are known as a dominant mid table team however Martin Jol has assembled a squad that seems disjointed. Jol doesn’t seem to know his best side despite being in charge of the club for over 18 months.
Like Sunderland, Fulham have many quality players and perhaps players more capable of scoring goals so they should be able to get back on track.
Relegation Chance – 30%
West Ham – 17th on 5 points
The Hammers are a side that a screaming out for goals. Carroll, Vaz Te and Petric lack the goals West Ham desperately need.
They are a side that is difficult to break down however they are never able to hold onto possession having not held 50% possession or more in the last 10 Premier League matches.
Kevin Nolan is the key player for West Ham and seems to have the ability to inspire his players in the same manner as former captain, Scott Parker, but like Parker that may not be enough.
Relegation Chance – 75%
Newcastle – 16th on 7 points
Yes Newcastle are on seven points with another five teams including Manchester United.
Never the less they are still 16th and the main reason for this is the players do not seem to be able to gel, reminiscent of the French national team at the 2010 World Cup.
They also seem a club that lives in their own bubble and they may not take a relegation battle as a serious threat.
Newcastle are a side with a few world-class players such as Cabaye and Ben Arfa and this should assure they stay up.
Relegation Chance – 15%
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