English Premier League: 2014-15 Relegation candidates

With three days to go for the first match of the 2014-15 season, we look at the teams which would be fighting the relegation battle to stay up in the premier league. The season is yet to start, so the previous season’s performance and the transfer market scenario have been taken into account to review the teams. Leicester, Burnley and QPR got promoted from the Championship this year and West Bromwich Albion was close to getting relegated from the premier league last year. These are the teams which would be fighting for the last breath, come May 2015.

Leicester City F.C.

Nigel Pearson’s side soared to their Championship title, finishing their season with 102 points – their highest ever tally. Throughout the season, they had been a dominant force and it was just a matter of time before their premier league berth was confirmed. This season they have signed 6 players, with the most important one being Leonardo Ulloa. Their first 4 out of 5 fixtures are against Everton, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal and this might lead to them losing the momentum they’ve gained from the previous season. Leicester at this point do not look like a team which will be safe as the season progresses and it will be a hard fight for them to stay above.

Burnley F.C.

Burnley surprised everyone with their promotion to the English Premier League, especially when they were tipped to be relegated to League One at the start of the previous season. Burnley conceded only 37 goals and scored 72 times to get promoted. They have added Michael Kightly, Matt Taylor and Steven Reid to the squad who add invaluable EPL experience to the group. But they need to hold on to Danny Ings and Sam Vokes, who scored 41 goals between them last season. Burnley should just enjoy the ride at the top. They face Chelsea and Manchester United in the initial phase of the season and it could not have gotten any harsher for them. The chances of Burnley surviving the battle look bleak as of now.

Queens Park Rangers F.C.

QPR’s previous season can be termed as successful only because of a solid defensive unit. The 90th minute win over Derby ensured a promotion in the play-off game, which was largely synonymous of their year. QPR have acquired the services of two Cardiff stars: Jordon Mutch and Steven Caulker, for the upcoming season to stay afloat in the premier league. Jamie Redknapp was also able to sign Manchester United’s centre-back Rio Ferdinand, to strengthen their defence. The last season wasn’t as bad for the defence as it was in the front, and much depends on Loic Remy to deliver for them. QPR might not be fighting this battle if Loic Remy delivers throughout the season. 

West Bromwich Albion F.C.

Even though WBA managed to stay in the Premier League last season, it was only because Norwich City lost points in the last two games and made it easy for them. WBA had the lowest number of wins last season and it was a disastrous campaign.  The sacking of Steve Clarke halfway through the season also contributed a lot to the club performing badly. They have managed to sign Joleon Lescott from Manchester City and Andre Wisdom from Liverpool on loan for their upcoming season. The players need to lift the spirits of the club and perform well from the beginning in order to ensure staying up in the league by the season-end.

Each of the 4 clubs have signed positive prospects and would be hopeful of staying up in the league but it would be only one of the 4 clubs who stays up and it would be an interesting relegation battle to look forward to.