CARDIFF SET FOR A RAPID RETURN

THE fight for survival stretches right up to tenth place now where Newcastle United finished last season with the second lowest points total for the team in that position. It is doubtful whether Newcastle and Rafa Benitez (below) can build on survival last term and challenge for a European place as there is so much negativity around Mike Ashley’s ownership of the club. I still expect Newcastle to stay up though. Last season was only the third time in the Premier League era that the three promoted teams managed to stay up, but I think it will be harder for Cardiff City, Fulham and Wolves to do it this time. While Fulham and Wolves can challenge the top half of the division, Cardiff are going to struggle simply because they have not made enough good signings and manager Neil Warnock faces another relegation from the top flight. As for last year’s other two survivors – Brighton and Huddersfield – it is going to be another slog. There is still a real buzz around Brighton where Chris Hughton (below) has just signed a new deal and added some new players. They are always well organised and have genuine creativity. I am not so sure David Wagner has added enough quality to his Huddersfield squad, however. They looked dead and buried a couple of times last season but some amazing results got them to safety. However, I don’t see that happening again. Then it’s stick in a pin time for the third relegated team. Crystal Palace should have enough, although keeping Wilfried Zaha will be crucial. Southampton and West Ham have the experience of Mark Hughes and Manuel Pellegrini and good squad additions to pull away from the bottom and Watford will stay out of trouble, if they can re-invest the Richarlison cash. I fear for Bournemouth, they have not invested enough in the squad this summer although new signing David Brooks does look promising

RELEGATED: Bournemouth, Huddersfield, Cardiff.