The Premier League is back in town next weekend and though most sides are expected to come back stronger and better compared to their performances of the previous seasons, we have tried to predict the teams unlikely to survive the cut-throat competition in the league next season, by their previous displays and summer buys. Here are the three clubs who are in danger of facing relegation this season:
Watford
The Hornets were one of the most disappointing sides last season. Though Walter Mazarri’s flawed management was one of the prime reasons to blame, their under average squad should take equal credit for it. Watford finishing in the top half in the first part of last season was seen by many as a strange outcome and their post-Christmas display pretty much showed why.
One of the most quintessential needs for a side to cope in the Premier League is a good defence and good depth in it, and neither Mazzarri then and nor Marco Silva now has focused much on it. The likes of Sebastian Prödl, Craig Cathcart, Younès Kaboul, Adrian Mariappa and more aren’t that effective as a squad, and apart from Kaboul, they hardly have the leadership qualities to get the squad together in big games. They had conceded a whopping 68 goals last season and with no upgrade to it whatsoever, they are bound to struggle.
Stoke City
Not a very surprising pick by any means following their frustrating displays last season. The Potters were a pain to watch despite having some of the best players in the league. Their lack of attacking sharpness has been their key concern and they have halved it by selling Marko Arnautovic. Despite Mark Hughes getting in Saido Berahino last winter and Darren Fletcher to patch things up, they just might fall short of the finishing line this season.
Xherdan Shaqiri, although brilliant, has his injuries woes and is hardly expected to do any better this season. Though Hughes did a clever job at getting rid of Glenn Whelan, who was not getting better anytime soon, the lack of vibrancy can still be seen. And their failure to make Bruno Martins Indi’s deal permanent worsens it.
Huddersfield Town
Well, a newly promoted side will be one of the likeliest to see the sword every season and we think the Terriers could be it this time. They were clearly the most surprising side to gain promotion last season given their underwhelming displays in the second-tier tournament, and their manager’s inexperience makes it another strong argument.
Compared to Rafael Benitez and Chris Hughton, David Wagner has little experience of the Premier League and their summer buys, though plenty, seriously lack experience. Them, surviving will surely be a surprise by all means.
