Predicting The Premier League 2017/18 Season: The Bottom-3
Eight weeks of Premier League action have gone by and this season is shaping up to be a rather unpredictable one. Every team has had to go through several ups and downs, but based on performances, it is fairly easy to determine how each team will fare by the end of the season. Both Manchester clubs are fighting it out for the top spot while surprise package Watford are gracing the fourth spot. Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool have not had the best of starts but will hope to do better as time progresses.
As far as the relegation zone goes, Crystal Palace are currently at the bottom of the league, having won their first three points during the recent shock win against defending champions Chelsea. Bournemouth sit above them with one extra point, while Leicester City – who are undergoing a tough period in terms managerial appointment – sit right above them.
The season still has a long way to go but which three clubs are in most danger of the dreaded relegation zone? Let’s find out.
Bournemouth
When the season commenced, people expected Bournemouth to do extremely well since this was their third consecutive season in the top-flight. Despite being with manager Eddie Howe and the likes of top scorer Josh King, the Cherries are struggling this season.
Sitting one point above Crystal Palace, Bournemouth did make several additions to the side over the summer but those players have failed to live up to their billing. As of now, their only hope is to improve their performances in the final third, which is where they make most of their mistakes, and possibly try pushing for wins. However, if this is how it continues, the Cherries could be looking at a tough relegation battle.
Stoke City
Several fans were left exasperated with manager Mark Hughes’ tactics after watching their club falter in most of their matches in the new season. There’s seemingly a lack of progress with the club, and they could be close to reaching the relegation zone.
Stoke have under-performed so far this season and Mark Hughes must ensure his side get back to basics following their heavy loss at the Etihad. There will be chances for them to beat the sides around them in the table towards the end of December, which should be crucial for them. However, there has been very little evidence to suggest that the club are moving forward this season.
Crystal Palace
Palace have not had the best of starts to their new season. Former manager Frank de Boer failed to extract the best out of the players, and it was only after their recent shock win against Chelsea that the club won their first three points this term.
Now, with Roy Hodgson in charge, it will take time for the manager and players to get accustomed to each other. With other clubs moving ahead, and Palace being consistently at the bottom of the table, things do look rather bleak.