Can the newly-promoted clubs stave off the threat of an immediate return to the Championship? And if they do, who will slip into the bottom three?
We're less than 48 hours away from the start of the new Premier League season, with a weekend packed with top-flight action now on the horizon for 20 teams up and down England who have spent the summer spending big and tweaking tactical plans.
For now, though, its predictions season, and here at GOAL we're no different. Over the past week, our writers have been giving their takes on all the biggest issues, from the Golden Boot contenders to the first manager to be sacked; from the surprise packages and best signings to the biggest disappointments.
Today, we've taken a look at the relegation contenders, and which teams are most likely to be fighting for survival over the next nine months:
Getty Images Sport'Hard to see any newcomers staying up'
Mark Doyle: Burnley and Leeds both racked up 100 points in last season's Championship, while play-off winners Sunderland have made some impressive summer signings. However, it's hard to see any of the Premier League newcomers staying up. The gap between the top-flight and the second tier has become a chasm in recent years, which is why Tottenham were never in danger of relegation last season despite accumulating just 38 points. There is, therefore, a depressing air of inevitably about the three newly-promoted teams going straight back down for the third consecutive year – which would just be the most damning indictment of the financial inequality ruining English football.
AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'Lot for Andrews to deal with'
Amee Ruszkai: Brentford have lost a worrying number of key figures this summer, on the pitch and in the dugout, and that's a lot for rookie boss Keith Andrews to deal with. Burnley's stubborn defence is likely to keep them afloat for a while, though James Trafford's exit will make it weaker and thus place more emphasis on scoring goals, which they lack the firepower to do. Leeds, meanwhile, will be a fun re-addition to the Premier League, but in terms of staying up, I am unconvinced by the recruitment. Daniel Farke looks like a prime candidate to come under pressure early, too.
Getty Images'Worrying trend'
Stephen Darwin: It's more than a little concerning that all three of last season's promoted teams went straight back down for the second season in a row, and it's a worrying trend that doesn't feel like it's going to dissipate anytime soon. As much as all three have made some useful signings, they still possess far weaker squads than the other teams that you would expect will be part of that scrap to avoid the drop. It's going to be a long and gruelling season ahead for Sunderland, Burnley and Leeds fans.
Getty Images Sport'Sunderland not ready to compete'
Richard Martin: Burnley boss Scott Parker has been relegated from the Premier League twice with Fulham, albeit once as only a caretaker manager, and when he returned to the top-flight with Bournemouth, he was sacked after only four games. The Clarets made Championship history with their incredible defence last season, but that alone will not be enough to keep them up. Brentford's five-year stint in the top flight, meanwhile, looks set to come to an end as they have lost their top scorer in Bryan Mbeumo, their captain Christian Norgaard, goalkeeper Mark Flekken and they could also part with Yoane Wissa. But worst of all, they have parted ways with Thomas Frank, the architect of their incredible run over the past few years and replaced him with a novice in Keith Andrews. Sunderland, meanwhile, were fortunate to return to the top-flight after riding their luck in the play-offs, and although they have spent big they do not yet feel ready to properly compete.