The race to avoid relegation from the Premier League has already started after just eight games played.
The goal for any side outside the top 10 is to finish above the bottom three places. However, that is easier said than done with some sides spending a whole season in a relegation fight.
Interestingly, the biggest battle for most sides can be trying to find the right balance between attack and defence. There is one thing you need if you want to stay in the Premier League and that is a solid defence.
With eight games gone, I will evaluate the sides who are still yet to hit double-digit points so far.
Sheffield United – 20th – one point
The Yorkshire side had a season to remember last year finishing just five points off a European place. This season, however, could not be more different for Chris Wilder’s side.
Their winning formula last season was all about making themselves hard to break down both at Bramall Lane and away.
Last season they conceded just 39 goals which was good enough to be ranked as the fourth-best defence in the league. Fast forward and they have conceded 14 goals after just eight games.
The Blades’ second problem is scoring goals, with just four to their name so far. The signing of Rhian Brewster was meant to spark life into this side. However, despite never playing in the Premier League before, is this a risk destined to backfire?
Burnley – 19th – two points
The Clarets are going through their toughest spell in the Premier League under Sean Dyche. This group of players have been together for a number of seasons now, and that may prove to be their downfall.
Fresh faces and more competition is needed to keep a side motivated in a bid for survival. They only managed to bring in Dale Stephens in from Brighton during the last window.
Although this Burnley side works hard they lack so much creativity, that is something that should have been addressed.
West Brom – 16th – three points
Things appear to be going from bad to worse for the Baggies this season. They are currently without a win to their name managing just three draws. They should, however, have had that first elusive win then throwing away a three-goal lead against Chelsea.
Now a fall out between manager Slaven Bilic and the WBA board will surely add more tension around the Hawthorns. With creative players such as Matheus Pereira and Grady Diangana in their side, they need to be doing better.
Fulham – 17th – four points
Scott Parker’s side has managed just one win from their opening eight games in the league. A vital 2-0 win at home against their relegation rivals West Brom sees them a point above the relegation zone.
However, when they have a player like Aleksandar Mitrović up front they should be scoring more goals. They will need to stay focussed throughout the season if they want to stay up. They can not afford to let points slip away from them, as they did away at West Ham missing a 98th-minute penalty.
Brighton & Hove Albion – 16th – six points
Many had tipped Brighton to challenge for a top 10 finish at the beginning of the season. The Seagull’s added Adam Lallana to their squad to try and add some experience into their midfield.
However, things have not gone well for Graham Potter’s men with their only win coming against Newcastle at the end of September. Their lack of depth upfront is a real cause for concern for Potter. The Brighton board have put a lot of faith in their manager after they offered him a two-year extension after being in the job just six months.
