Mon Jul 08, 2013 4:05 pm
Premier League Relegation Odds Tracker: Prices stay put as Cardiff splash out
Cardiff's new signing Andreas Cornelius cost £7.5 million
"Having just forked out a club record £7.5 million for FC Copenhagen striker Andreas Cornelius and agreed a fee in principle for Tom Ince too, the optimism surrounding Malky Mackay's maiden voyage into Premier League management could swell further."
A few weeks after last checking in, Christian Crowther takes another look at the early runners for relegation...
Crystal Palace 1.564/7
No change - in from 1.57 on June 24
You already get the feeling that Palace's pole position in the relegation stakes is unlikely to alter during the close season, unless they bring in Wayne Rooney of course. Impending signing Dan Gosling showed plenty of promise at Everton - then completely stalled at Newcastle due to injury - but is not of the calibre of signing to shake up their price for a swift Premier League exit. Dwight Gayle has joined from Peterborough.
Hull 1.748/11
No change - stayed static at 1.74 since June 24
Despite the news that Burnley striker Charlie Austin will become Hull's fifth summer acquisition, the Tigers remain heavily fancied for the drop. 28 goals in 40 games for Austin at Burnley last season is a promising statistic for Steve Bruce's squad, but as an unproven Premier League marksman, it appears unlikely to sway punters. Recent Premier League experience is a definite plus point in the lay column though.
Cardiff 3.052/1
No change - stayed static at 3.05 since June 24
The Championship champions understandably remain the outsiders of the promoted trio to face immediate relegation. Having just forked out a club record £7.5 million for FC Copenhagen striker Andreas Cornelius and agreed a fee in principle for Tom Ince too, the optimism surrounding Malky Mackay's maiden voyage into Premier League management could swell further. Danish international Cornelius netted 18 goals in 32 Superliga matches last season, making him the division's leading scorer.
Norwich 3.65n/a
No change - in from 3.9 on June 24
Norwich's last-minute swerve away from danger last season could not mask some obvious deficiencies, not least the depth of their squad. Chris Hughton has been addressing this and, in signing much-lauded Birmingham winger Nathan Redmond, has secured somewhat of a coup. Grant Holt's imminent departure is a concern as, despite a poor showing, he was still their top scorer last season. The Canaries have signed Ricky van Wolfswinkel but may still need to replace Holt with another quality striker.
Stoke 4.03/1
No change - in from 4.1 on June 24
Mark Hughes' intentions to take Stoke in a different footballing direction were made clear by his first signing: Marc Muniesa, a ball-playing centre-back from Barcelona. However, orchestrating such a seismic philosophy shift could yet encounter serious teething troubles and, in light of Hughes' torrid time at QPR at the beginning of the last campaign, this price could easily shorten when the action gets going.
Sunderland 6.05/1
No change - in from 6.2 on June 24
Seamlessly continuing the tiny shortening in price are the Black Cats. Paolo Di Canio has been busy adding to their squad, making several signings so far, including Arsenal stopper Vito Manone. Reports also suggest the Wearsiders are on the brink of bringing in AZ Alkmaar striker Jozy Altidore, though the other names are far from household. It's difficult to envisage a big change in price at the Stadium of Light.
Mon Jul 08, 2013 5:25 pm
Makes perfect sense, we are 3rd favourites to be relegated, the bookies have got it spot on...any higher [ survival ] will be a great success.