Premier League CEO Richard Masters has weighed in on the survival prospects of the newly promoted clubs – Leeds United, Sunderland, and Burnley – as they prepare for the 2025/26 season. Masters hopes the upcoming season will feature a competitive relegation battle, a contrast to the past two seasons, where promoted clubs have struggled to maintain their position in the top flight.
The Recent Trend
Masters acknowledges the concerning trend of promoted clubs facing immediate relegation. In the 2023-24 season, all three newly promoted teams – Luton, Burnley and Sheffield United – were relegated, marking the first time since 1998 that this has occurred. Last season, the fate of Ipswich, Leicester, and Southampton was sealed relatively early, with four rounds of fixtures remaining. These six clubs accumulated 26 points or fewer, with Southampton (12 points) and Sheffield United (16 points) recording historically low point tallies.
Masters' Perspective
Masters recognizes the need to analyze this trend over a longer period to determine if it signifies a lasting shift in the league's competitiveness. He emphasizes the Premier League's desire for a balanced competition where teams from top to bottom are competitive. He hopes to see competition at all levels of the league. While acknowledging that three seasons out of 33 have seen all promoted teams relegated, the recent pattern is still a cause for concern.
Challenges for the Promoted Clubs
Leeds, Burnley, and Sunderland face the challenge of bucking this trend and proving they can compete in the Premier League. The wide gap between the top flight and the Sky Bet Championship is seen as a significant hurdle. Some football analysts predict that all three promoted teams will be relegated. Bookmakers also view Sunderland as a favorite to be relegated.
Premier League Relegation Predictions
Several football analysts have given their predictions for which teams will face relegation in the upcoming season. Some believe that all three promoted teams are in danger of going straight back down. Factors contributing to this include the potential loss of key players from Brentford and the rebuilding process required by Bournemouth after losing several defenders. However, others suggest that Sunderland's impressive recruitment might allow them to avoid relegation, while Wolves could struggle due to losing key players.
Teams' Preparations and Season Outlook
Sunderland, who won the Championship play-off final, are returning to the Premier League for the first time since 2017. They are actively participating in the transfer market, hoping to bolster their squad and increase their chances of survival. Burnley, after being pipped to the Championship title on goal difference, are also aiming to solidify their position in the Premier League. They have signed 10 new players, including experienced players like Kyle Walker, to improve their chances. Leeds, who secured the Championship title, will be looking to build on their success and establish themselves back in the top flight.
The opening matches for the promoted clubs include Sunderland hosting West Ham, Burnley playing away to Tottenham, and Leeds welcoming Everton. These early games will provide an initial indication of their competitiveness and potential for survival in the Premier League.
