Premier League 2024/25: Can Ipswich, Leicester & Southampton Avoid Relegation?

The start of the 2024/25 Premier League season has been challenging for the newly promoted clubs, Ipswich Town, Leicester City, and Southampton. With just one victory between them after seven matches — Leicester’s win over Bournemouth — survival in the top flight looks like a monumental task for these sides. Their collective performance so far has resulted in an average of just 0.52 points per game, underlining the steep learning curve they face.

Is the Premier League the Toughest League for Newcomers?

The Premier League is often touted as one of Europe’s toughest leagues for newly promoted teams, and the stats back this up. While Ipswich, Leicester, and Southampton struggle to pick up points, other promoted sides across Europe’s top leagues are faring better. In Serie A, teams like Parma and Venezia have accumulated 18 points, while French Ligue 1 newcomers have managed 16 points between them. Meanwhile, Spain’s La Liga newcomers have racked up 23 points combined.

Comparatively, the Premier League’s promoted sides are lagging behind, struggling to bridge the gap in quality between the Championship and the top flight. It’s a trend that has been growing over recent seasons, with last year’s newcomers Burnley, Sheffield United, and Luton Town also finding it difficult to adapt.

Ipswich Town: Looking for Their First Win

Ipswich Town have yet to register a win in their first seven matches, drawing four and losing three. Despite this tough start, there have been glimmers of hope, particularly from £20m signing Liam Delap. The young striker has netted four goals, including a brace in a 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.

However, Ipswich’s possession-based style under Kieran McKenna has left them vulnerable defensively. They currently have the league’s lowest expected goals (xG) rate at 0.96 per game, meaning they’re struggling to create clear chances. For Ipswich to survive, tightening up defensively and capitalising on Delap’s form will be crucial.

Leicester City: A Struggle Away from Home

Leicester City earned their first victory of the season against Bournemouth, a 1-0 win that offered some respite. However, their defensive frailties remain a major concern. They have the league’s highest expected goals against (xGA) rate of 1.91 per game, indicating that they’re conceding too many chances.

Leicester’s away form is particularly alarming, with an xGA of 2.46 — the worst in the league. If they are to avoid a relegation battle, they must shore up their defence, especially on their travels.

Southampton: Psychological Struggles Persist

Southampton’s return to the Premier League has been plagued by poor form, both statistically and mentally. Winless in their last 20 Premier League games, they are anchored to the bottom of the table. Individual errors have been costly, with six mistakes leading to goals in just seven games.

Despite showing promise in the first half of their match against Arsenal, Southampton’s defensive lapses allowed the Gunners to turn the game around. Manager Russell Martin will need to address these mental lapses and improve the team’s resilience if they’re to claw their way out of trouble.

The battle for survival has already begun for Ipswich, Leicester, and Southampton. As the season progresses, they’ll need to make significant improvements, both tactically and mentally, to avoid the fate that has befallen many promoted clubs before them.

Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at time of publishing and subject to change.

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