Early Premier League Predictions: Who Goes Down?
By Tanish Menon
1. AFC Bournemouth
Despite winning their recent game against Nottingham Forest, the Cherries find themselves in somewhat of a false position after conceding nearly 18 goals in the opening six games whilst only scoring 5 in return.
Bournemouth are currently odds-on to go straight back down to the EFL Championship, which isn’t really surprising for many. The departure of former manager Scott Parker has also left the club in somewhat of a rut.
After gaining automatic promotion to the Premier League the Cherries have barely strengthened in comparison to their fellow counterparts who were also promoted.
The club waited until August to pay a transfer fee for anyone, eventually parting with around £12million to sign Marcus Tavernier from Middlesbrough, also adding Joe Rothwell and Ryan Fredericks on free transfers.
Marco Senesi and Neto were also brought in to boost squad options. The only positive from the window was the fact the Cherries managed to fend off interest from other clubs for the signings of Chris Mepham, Phillip Billing, and Jefferson Lerma.
Despite this, it’s hard to see last season’s runners-up avoiding a return to the EFL Championship come May. The Cherries travel to Tyneside next, with former manager Eddie Howe looking to add insult to injury.