Premier League Relegation 2025-26: Who Faces the Drop?

Premier League relegation is set to be one of the hottest talking points as the 2025-26 season approaches. The battle to avoid the drop zone is always fierce, and this year’s race promises even more unpredictability. With just hours remaining before the new campaign kicks off, fans and pundits alike are speculating: which clubs will manage to secure their top-flight status, and who will succumb to the pressure and face relegation?

Premier League Relegation 2025-26: Key Contenders

The newly-promoted sides always enter the Premier League under immense scrutiny. Can they defy the odds and secure survival, or will they become immediate candidates for Premier League relegation?

This season, the spotlight is firmly on the trio joining from the Championship. Historically, at least one newly-promoted club makes a swift return to the second tier, but recent years have shown that smart recruitment and tactical innovation can give these teams a fighting chance.

Newly-Promoted Sides: Can They Survive?

The promoted teams have spent the summer strengthening their squads and honing their approach. If their signings adapt quickly, and if they can hit the ground running, survival is well within their grasp. However, the Premier League’s relentless pace and quality often prove too much. Past examples like Sheffield United’s impressive debut or Luton Town’s struggles highlight just how unpredictable survival can be.

Who Else Is at Risk of Premier League Relegation?

Premier League relegation battles rarely feature only the newcomers. Several established clubs have endured turbulent summers marked by managerial changes, financial limitations, or an exodus of key players. Clubs that finished just above the drop last season—such as the likes of Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, and Brentford—know how narrow the margins can be.

Managerial stability often proves decisive. Teams with continuity in the dugout tend to fare better under pressure, while those who chop and change may find themselves in crisis mode by winter. Injuries, fixture congestion, and squad morale will also play major roles in determining who is pulled into the dogfight.

The Impact of Squad Depth and Transfers

Premier League relegation can hinge on the depth and quality of a squad. Clubs that have managed to bring in experienced, battle-hardened professionals tend to show greater resilience. Conversely, teams that rely too heavily on youth, or who have lost experienced heads, are more susceptible to extended losing runs.

This transfer window has seen significant investments in the lower half of the table. Some clubs have landed Premier League-proven talent, while others have gambled on foreign imports who may take time to settle. Success or failure in the market could be the difference between safety and relegation heartbreak.

Writers’ Predictions for Premier League Relegation

GOAL’s football writers have weighed in with their Premier League relegation forecasts for 2025-26. While opinions differ, some consensus emerges:

• Newly-promoted club: At least one is widely tipped to go down, given the league’s steep learning curve.
• Survivors of last year’s battle: Teams that narrowly avoided relegation previously remain at risk due to ongoing instability.
• Wild card: Every season brings a surprise candidate—an established side that endures a disastrous run or succumbs to off-field issues.

Of course, the beautiful chaos of the Premier League often throws up shocks. Clubs that seemed secure in August may find themselves in trouble come spring, while apparent no-hopers sometimes pull off miraculous escapes.

What Could Decide the Premier League Relegation Race?

Several factors will shape the 2025-26 relegation battle:

• Managerial changes: Clubs that panic and dismiss managers early often struggle to regain momentum.
• Injury crises: A thin squad can be exposed by a spate of injuries, particularly around the busy winter schedule.
• Home form: Teams that make their home stadiums a fortress typically have a better chance of staying up.
• Head-to-head clashes: Matches between relegation rivals—so-called “six-pointers”—often determine who survives.

With financial stakes higher than ever, the pressure to remain in the top flight has never been greater. For the latest updates and analysis, visit for more news.

Opinion: Expect the Unexpected in Premier League Relegation

Predicting Premier League relegation is always a challenge. While newly-promoted clubs are natural candidates, recent seasons have shown that even established teams can falter. Smart recruitment, tactical innovation, and a bit of luck will all play their part. My view? Don’t be surprised if a big name finds themselves in a dogfight—this league rarely goes according to script.