EPL relegation candidates: Which teams to avoid between now and May?
We’re now about the enter the business end of the 2019/20 EPL season. Some teams are nicely rested after a mini-winter break, while others have been hard at work on the training ground after disappointing periods before the recent gap in fixtures. Fortunately, it all kicks off again in February, with fantasy football fanatics dying to make changes to their teams in a bid to cement their lead or make up ground on their friends.
If you want to know which squads are most likely to be damaging to your fantasy teams between now and May, read on as we outline the five main candidates for the drop:
Norwich City
At the present time, Bet365, who commit to the best odds guaranteed for UK punters, have the Canaries priced as short as 1/12 on to face an immediate return to the Championship. Their defence has been the biggest issue throughout the season, conceding 47 goals in 25 games. This has subsequently placed real strain on flying Finn Teemu Pukki, whose goals have very much dried up in the second half of the campaign. Avoid Norwich defenders and Pukki like the plague.
Watford
Watford enjoyed a tremendous ‘bounce’ following the appointment of new boss, Nigel Pearson before Christmas. The Hornets hauled themselves off the foot of the table, but with no win in four, they remain second bottom, albeit one point from safety. Watford’s goal tally of 24 goals is the second worst in the division behind Crystal Palace, so avoid selecting Watford strikers if you can, unless they show signs of recapturing form.
West Ham
Troubled West Ham United have issues on and off the field. Off it, the Hammers’ supporters are growing tired of their owners and underachievement. On it, they find themselves in the bottom three with just 13 games left. Sebastien Haller is the club’s top scorer with just six goals to his name, while defensively the Hammers are a mess, leaking 43 goals. They do have a few goalscoring midfielders like Snodgrass and Noble who may be worth consideration, but apart from that it’s a no from us.
Aston Villa
Newly promoted Aston Villa made wholesale changes to the squad that secured promotion back to the top-flight. Boss, Dean Smith might say in hindsight that this wasn’t such a good move, with the team facing a relegation battle already. The team is verging one a one-man team at times thanks to Jack Grealish’s goals and assists, who should be a shoe-in for most fantasy teams. Defensively, you should avoid any Villa defenders as they are part of the joint-worst defence in the league.
Bournemouth
Eddie Howe has been one of the most lauded managers in the EPL in recent years for the way his Cherries side have played in the top flight. Now, it would appear they are being found out somewhat. Avoid their front men, who have scored only 26 goals in 26 games, but midfielder Harry Wilson could be a good pick, given his seven goals from a wide midfield area.
