Winning the Premier League is a genuine dream for at least seven teams this season, but for the other 13 sides in contention every week, staying up to play in next season’s EPL is the biggest target at the start of the season.  

Facing the Drop  

On the face of it, for any of the current bottom three to survive would be a surprise and this is reflected in the betting odds, with Sheffield United (1/16), West Bromwich Albion (2/9) and Fulham (10/11) the three favourites for the drop. That’s without looking at the form table, however, which should change your approach instantly.  

As resolute as Chris Wilder has been in his defence of Sheffield United, The Blades have looked out of their depth this season and going into the second half of the campaign are yet to reach double figures in terms of league points. That bodes terribly for their survival hopes, not least because the second half of last season for the Yorkshire club was poor compared to their early season form, which essentially kept them up. Having just one victory in their last 22 Premier League fixtures, a lack of serious firepower up front and no money to buy themselves out of trouble, Sheffield United will be playing Championship football next season.