The dust of the transfer window has settled, and those sides down in the depths (or at least most of them) have chopped and changed their squad in order to bolster their fighting chances.
Ultimately, however, three will face the drop – let’s take a look at who is most likely to meet that fate.
Newcastle
The Magpies really haven’t held back this transfer window, with more money spent than the entire Bundesliga combined, it’s easy to see how pretty much every pundit, critic, and moderate enthusiast is tipping them to stay above water now.
Add the fact that they’ve added Premier League experience to their ranks in Jonjo Shelvey and Andros Townsend, and it looks like there’s next to no excuse for Newcastle to be anywhere near the drop zone.
Seydou Doumbia was another crucial addition to a side that lacked an experienced striker, as the youthful Ayoze Perez and Aleksandar Mitrovic have lacked that cutting edge when it mattered.
However, questions might be raised as to why another defender wasn’t brought in, as a tendency to leak game-changing goals has proven to be an issue for the Magpies for several seasons now.
More from The Top Flight
- Barcelona identify Newcastle star as Robert Lewandowski replacement
- Arsenal injury news: Mikel Arteta confirms “rapid” attacker suffered injury
- “600 days” Fans make SHOCK Chelsea revelation – They really are poor
- Arsenal transfer news: Mikel Arteta rivals Manchester United for wonderkid
- Manchester United: Erik ten Hag pinpoints 4 players amid Brighton loss
Sunderland
The Black Cats were just as active as their North-East neighbours, bringing in 5 players that emulate the structure of the typical ‘Sam Allardyce’ side which has long been present in the Premier League.
Notable additions would include Jan Kirchoff from Bayern Munich and Lamine Kone from Lorient – two players who command a formidable physical presence and have the potential to remedy Sunderland’s defensive maladies.
However, if Big Sam wants to keep this side of his in the Premier League, then they’ll need to click into place quickly to make up for lost time. It’s not uncommon for Sunderland to defy the odds in the relegation scrap, but that doesn’t undermine the difficult task Allardyce faces.
Norwich
Not as active as the previous two, but active nonetheless were the Canaries.
The arrival of proven Premier League striker Steven Naismith might not have been the most exciting piece of business to occur this year, but the Scotsman had demonstrated in his time at Everton that he was capable of finding the back of the net – and will need to continue to do so if he is to replace Lewis Grabban.
Ivo Pinto will also bolster Norwich’s defensive options after arriving from Dinamo Zagreb.
Bournemouth
Down on the south coast, Bournemouth seized the opportunity to shapren their blades by hauling in Benik Afobe from Wolverhampton Wanderers and (as previously mentioned) Lewis Grabban from Norwich.
The impact of Afobe has been immediate, with the former Arsenal man having already netted 3 from 4. Bournemouth have a real chance of maintaining their distance from relegation as long as he continues to find the net.
Swansea
Not a great window for the Swans, all things considered.
Alberto Paloschi joined from Chievo, Leroy Fer made a loan switch from QPR, and Jonjo Shelvey left for Newcastle. Questions can be asked regarding whether or not the players brought in are enough to sufficiently strengthen the side.
Aston Villa
Bottom of the league, let some players go, didn’t bring anyone in. The clear choice for last place on this list.