Relegation / 7th.

Intense pressure already building on a number of clubs at the bottom, while some less likely clubs look ready to fight for top 7.

Crystal Palace look as good as gone. Cannot score (6), cannot keep the ball out of their own net (24). Changing managers hasn't helped.

Swansea City are another team who cannot score. Just 7 scored and haven't replaced Sigurdsson or Llorente. Re-signing Bony looks bad business. Paul Clement must be worrying about his job.

West Ham United have already bitten the bullet, but didn't get the new manager swing yesterday. Worst defence in the league so far, and never have a settled team with a lot of injuries. Poor signings, need to get Hernandez and Antonio fit and scoring.

West Bromwich Albion ended the Pulis reign today. After starting the season with two wins they haven't won since.

Everton got rid of Koeman early, but haven't found a replacement. A lot of expensive signings in the summer, all have flopped so far. 24 goals conceded already, despite adding Pickford and Keane for big money. Sigurdsson, Sandro and Klaasen have yet to spark

Stoke City have had a good couple of results, winning vs Arsenal and drawing vs United. But very hot and cold at the moment.

Southampton are finding goals hard to come by. After a good start in England, Gabbiadini is struggling this season. Their defence continues to be their strength but hopes of top 7 look unlikely.

Bournemouth have managed to get out of their early season slump, winning 3 of their last 4. Leicester City have also moved on from a slow start of 4 defeats in their first 6. 2 wins and a draw before Saturdays defeat to City, since sacking Shakespear.

The three promoted clubs sit 9th, 10th and 11th - although Brighton and Hove Albion could go back into 8th tonight.

Watford and Burnley have put in the strongest claims for 7th so far.
Despite not scoring many (12), Burnley have only conceded 9 - the 3rd best in the league. 3 wins in a row without conceding sees them level on points with Arsenal and Liverpool and just 4 off 2nd place.
Watfords early season good form looked to be over with 3 consecutive defeats, but yesterdays win puts them back on track. Their strength is attacking, the top scorers outside the top 6 - although their defensive stats are swayed somewhat by 13 goals conceded against City, Liverpool and Chelsea. 8 goals conceded in their other 9 games suggest they can keep it tight against the teams they see as rivals.



A lot of twists, turns, upturns and downturns in form ahead.
My prediction for relegation is, though:
Crystal Palace, Swansea City, Huddersfield Town
My prediction for 7th is:
Leicester City