The relegation dog fight: a prediction

At the start of every premier league season the inevitable talk moves onto not only who will win, but also the pundit’s choice to go down.

In recent years many clubs who have come into the Premier league after promotion from the championship have surprised critics by their willingness to play good football and take teams on. Swansea City were the most recent example of this under Brendan Rodgers.


So who are the current favourite’s choice to go down and why? At Discount Football Kits we are hedging our bets with these three clubs, and here is why…


Crystal Palace


Ian Holloway is one of the more charismatic managers in the game, and well-loved as a result. That charisma is unlikely to be enough to keep Palace up. Immediate attention shifts to the loss of their most important player last year Wilfried Zaha to Old Trafford. With Glenn Murray also injured the squad is not looking much stronger than last year.


Holloway's main signing Dwight Gayle is also unproven at the top level. He is unlikely to add enough quality to the side which squeezed up through the play-offs.


With these factors combined many neutrals are expecting a lot of entertainment from Holloway and his side, but not enough strength in depth to stay in the league.


Sunderland


It is anyone’s guess what happens under manager Palo Di Canio. After managing to put last year’s controversy behind him we has sought to reshape the squad as he desires. Di Canio has looked to his native country to build the strength of his squad, the key question comes down to how well he will be able to integrate the players. 


Sunderland saw just 39 goals from their home stadium last year, a number that has to drastically improve if they are to have any hope of staying in the league.


Hull


The name change to Hull City Tigers is probably not enough to provide the bite that is needed at the top level. A long hard season awaits for Hull whose home form is going to prove vital.


Steve Bruce has brought sensibly in the transfer window and was thought to be the deciding factor in deciding Tom Huddlestone to make the switch from Tottenham. However, at Discount Football Kits we feel more strength in depth is needed if Hull are to avoid the drop.


 


One of the noticeable absences from our relegation prediction list is Cardiff City. In the top flight for the first time in 41 years Craig Bellamy’s fitness and experience will play a big part in influencing Cardiff’s form. The strong signings of Gary Medel for a club record fee from Seville, Steven Caulker from Tottenham and Andreas Cornelius from Copenhagen should prove enough to keep the Bluebirds who now play in red afloat this year.  


Only time will tell how well the promoted clubs adjust to life in the Premier league however Cardiff look to have a much stronger chance of survival than


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