The Premier League is back for a new season with plenty of action, thrills, and great goals at both ends of the table. While Manchester City and Liverpool have begun the campaign with perfect starts before the international break, the newly promoted teams have caused some surprises to the Premier League betting in the early weeks.
Indeed, there have been some good performances from all three new sides, as they look to avoid an instant return to the Championship. Leicester City, Ipswich Town, and Southampton are all aiming to establish themselves as regulars in the top flight, and it will be interesting to see if their new signings pay off in what can be a tricky run between now and the festive period.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at their first few games of the season and assess how if they can avoid relegation come May. Read on to find out more.
Leicester City
While Leicester City have managed one Premier League point at the time of writing, a valiant draw at home to Tottenham Hotspur, it is their action off the pitch that will spur optimism amongst the Foxes fans this season, having won their PSR appeal.
Many believed that after losing Enzo Maresca and dealing with what looked like an inevitable points deduction from the league would culminate in instant relegation for Leicester, and they would become a yo-yo club despite years of success in the top flight. However, a successful appeal against an alleged breach of financial rules means they are set to avoid any punishment this term.
It’s encouraging news for new boss Steve Cooper, who made the switch across the East Midlands having previously worked with Nottingham Forest. Attention can now return to the football at the King Power Stadium, as Leicester look to put a run together in hopes of beating the drop.
Ipswich Town
Championship runners-up Ipswich Town were unfortunate with their return to the Premier League. The Tractor Boys are back in the big time for the first time since 2004 but were dealt the unfortunate blow of drawing Liverpool and Manchester City in their opening fixtures.
There were encouraging signs in the opening 45 against the Reds, with many hoping the crowd could influence a shock victory, but Arne Slot’s men ultimately had too much quality in their 2-0 win. Then, against City, Ipswich were in dreamland when they took the lead away to the champions. However a quick-fire response from City and an Erling Haaland hat-trick showed the ruthlessness at the top level.
Kieran McKenna is a top manager though, and his side battled hard for a draw against Fulham. They lack experience and that could ultimately prove costly if the likes of Kalvin Phillips and Ben Johnson – players who have featured in the top flight the most in the squad – fail to perform regularly.
Southampton
Something of the forgotten men amongst the newly promoted sides, Southampton have flattered to deceive so far – failing to record a point after defeats to Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Brentford.
On paper, the Saints looked to have a side that stood in the best stead out of the three for survival, with a great combination of leadership and exuberance. However, things just haven’t clicked yet for Russell Martin’s side.
There is plenty of time to go, but with a tricky period of fixtures on the horizon that sees trips to Arsenal and City before the next international break, it’s imperative Southampton get some points on the board quickly, or face being cast ashore to the bottom of the table.
