Luton are odds-on at 1/2 in bwin’s Premier League relegation odds despite impressing fans and pundits with a slew of impressive performances this season.
Luton have taken points from Liverpool this season, as well as taken both Man City and Arsenal close to the line at Kenilworth Road, but they still find themselves as one of the favourites for relegation, at 1/2.
Rob Edwards has been widely praised for his ambition and intent this season, with Luton playing some truly inspiring football, despite not having the budget of the likes of Nottingham Forest, who signed over 30 players in their first season after getting promoted to the Premier League.
Edwards’ men have been so impressive that Ross Barkley, who signed as a free agent this summer, has been regarded by many as one of the signings of the season, with some pundits even putting him in their Team of the Season and stating he deserves to be involved in England’s Euro 2024 squad.
Despite all that, Luton haven’t had the results they need, and find themselves in the relegation zone with 25 points from their 32 games.
Sheffiled United in trouble…
Sheffield United remain the favourites for the drop at 1.001, following a 2-0 loss to Brentford in their last Premier League outing.
Next up, Chris Wilder’s side face Burnley, so their points tally could be added to before a tricky trip to Man United, but with just seven games left to play, it may be too little too late.
The Blades remain bottom of the table with four fewer points than Burnley (1/25) who were indebted to goalkeepers James Trafford and Arijanet Muric, with both former Man City goalkeepers keeping them in games at various points this season.
Nottingham Forest (2/1) ended a winless run that dated back to February with a 3-1 victory over Fulham this month. Despite a four point deduction for breaking financial rules, Forest are out of the relegation zone, and could well still be playing Premier League football come the beginning of next season.
Former manager Steve Cooper may have dismissed any suggestions that he was saying goodbye to the fans after games towards the end of 2023, but he was replaced by former Wolves boss Nuno Espírito Santo before the turn of the year, who has helped solidify the side’s midfield, making them harder to play against.
Everton could be safe despite points deduction…
Another side charged with breaking financial rules and handed a point-penalty was Everton (11/2). Sean Dyche’s initial ten-point deduction was reduced to six points, and his side find themselves in 16th place as a result. They were then hit with another two point deduction, but their place in the table remained unchanged. If they had their eight points, the Toffees would be in 14th, but instead have to fight to keep their place in the league.
The feeling is that Everton have too much quality to get relegated this season, but they’re far from safe at the time of writing, so if results don’t start going their way soon, they could be in danger.
As for the best of the rest, Brentford (14/1) and Crystal Palace (33/1) are pretty much safe, but stranger things have happened in the Premier League, so they’re still worth a mention.
