Many fans of the Premier League like to follow the battle for the title and the top four. However, the fight to stay in the Premier League often produces the best drama and after five games this season, which clubs look set for a tough campaign?
Before a ball was kicked in the 2018/19 Premier League season, Cardiff City were installed as the bookies favourites for relegation. The Welsh club won automatic promotion from the Championship last season but unlike Wolverhampton Wanderers, they have failed to strengthen their team.
Having played five matches, Cardiff City have just 2 points to their name and are yet to win a match. The points have come thanks to a draw at home against Newcastle United and away at Huddersfield Town. Both games ended 0-0 and with Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool in their next five league games, things are not looking good for the Bluebirds.
Cardiff City are sitting just outside the relegation zone after five games but the bookmakers have not budged and they remain the favourites for relegation. Nothing in their five games to date has suggested Cardiff City have what it takes to stay in the Premier League this season.
Bottom of the Premier League after five matches are Burnley. The Clarets qualified for Europe last season but have drawn one and lost four of their 2018/19 Premier League games. Burnley have lost each of their last four league games, two of which have come against teams who were promoted from the Championship last season.
Swansea City were not expected to go down last season but having found themselves in the relegation zone after seven matches, could not recover. Burnley must start winning games and their next three fixtures against Bournemouth and Huddersfield Town at home plus Cardiff City away are favourable. Fail to win any of these matches and Burnley will be in real trouble.
Also with one 1 point after five games are Newcastle United. The Magpies finished in 10th last season but a lack of investment over the summer has seen them stall under Rafa Benitez. There is no doubt the Spaniard is a good manager and having played Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal in their last three league games, there are easier fixtures on the horizon. Newcastle United could move out of the bottom three.
Huddersfield Town are the final club to make up the relegation zone after five Premier League games. Having finished 4 points clear of the relegation zone last season, there was always a danger Huddersfield Town could find it tough this season, despite having spent over £40 million on new players.
With Wolverhampton Wanderers coming up and showing they belong in this division, plus Fulham making a decent start, it’s opened the possibility of at least two teams who were in the Premier League last season facing the drop this season. Huddersfield Town could be one of those teams.
There is a long way to go in the 2018/19 Premier League but Cardiff City, Burnley and Huddersfield Town are the favourites for the drop. As things stand, it is difficult to argue against that prediction.