In their individual attempts to stave off Premier League relegation, Sheffield United, Burnley, and Luton Town may have one more chance in the January transfer window.
Even though the table looks a little better than it did a week ago, Luton supporters could at the very least raise an eyebrow at that.
All three of the promoted teams are expected to drop straight back down by bookmakers, which would only occurred twice in Premier League history (the other being 1997–98).
There may possibly be a twist in the story due to Crystal Palace’s performance, Nottingham Forest’s downturn (prior to their most recent victory), and Everton’s point deduction, but it is probably January and the mid-season market where The fight for relegation is clear Moreover, the bottom three bear the burden.
Expect little from Luton
When Luton defeated Sheffield United on Boxing Day, they became the first promoted team this season to win the league back-to-back, giving Rob Edwards’ team a better chance of surviving.
It is no longer absurd to argue that the Hatters have the best chance of the three to remain up, but they also have the best chance of spending the least in January following a clever summer that saw them spend just £9.5 million following their play-off victory.
Ross Barkley, a free agent who has started their previous nine Premier League games, is leading the assault, though. The 30-year-old midfielder, who once played for Everton and Chelsea, has adjusted well to a deeper role this season. He has played the most passes and tried the second-most shots among Luton’s outfield players that makes him an essential component of their future.
On December 23, Barkley assisted Andros Townsend in the 1-0 victory over Newcastle, demonstrating the importance of elite skill in a group that is mainly young.
Townsend, who was on the verge of joining Burnley in the summer before the move fell through, signed with Luton in October on a short-term contract that expires in January. If the 32-year-old and the club can come to an agreement, an extension will be discussed next month, provided no other club offers him a more attractive deal.
Beyond Townsend, Luton may have a quiet January given the dearth of free signings and loan opportunities. There may be a sense within the Luton hierarchy—or rather, a desperate hope—that Edwards has the resources and the momentum he needs because they are now outscoring their relegation rivals and conceding fewer goals than Burnley and Sheffield United as well.
Premier League table
Burnley need ‘final touch’
Although Burnley completed the previous season 21 points ahead of Luton, any hope that Vincent Kompany would oversee a seamless transition has long ago vanished.
The fact that they spent the third least amount of money on summer spending (of all Premier League clubs) shows just how much money is at play above them; they may need to spend the same amount in January to turn things around.
Kompany wants to bolster the forward position because James Trafford, a $15 million acquisition from Manchester City, is showing his worth down one end. The goalkeeper has a better save % than his teammates Thomas Kaminski and Wes Foderingham of Luton and Sheffield United.
What’s the final touch in the Premier League that’s the problem? The level we’re talking about that you need for the Premier League is [Dominic] Solanke and [Raul] Jimenez at Fulham, who are at the bottom of the league, Kompany added.
“To search the market and locate players of such caliber, that is not our goal. Unless Jurgen Klopp wishes to surprise us with a few players he left off the team for Christmas! Apart from that, I believe we need to be grounded in reality.
“Observing the players we have progress is, for us, the most important approach to move forward. But we’ll certainly be open to doing something clever if it comes to that.
Kompany has made repeated references to depending on his existing crop during December, and he is aware of how challenging it may be to make “smart” January transfers.
It’s unsettling reading, and Burnley could have to look to the Championship since their Premier League rivals are unlikely to provide them a helping hand.
Although Crysencio Summerville would be perfect, Fabrizio Romano’s allegation that Burnley rejected a £20 million bid in the summer indicates that Summerville’s 11 goals and 6 assists make him indispensable to Leeds’ efforts to advance.
Sheff Utd to ‘wheel and deal’
There are no better odds than 1-10 for Sheffield United to be demoted, despite being the clear favorites to lose.
They are seven points from safety at the midway point of the season with two victories in 19, and although they are one win away from surpassing Derby’s record-low of 11 points, it would take some momentum in the second half to prevent an instant return to the Championship.
Additionally, a nearly miraculous January transfer window would be necessary. Sheffield United has caused manager Chris Wilder a lot of headaches this season because they have scored the fewest goals and have given up the most.
Owner Prince Abdullah stated, “I can assure you one thing: me and Chris are on the same page when it comes to January and after January,” in response to Wilder’s January remarks about a “wheel and deal” strategy.
It’s unclear exactly what that means, and there isn’t a long list of strikers that come to mind.
Divock Origi is on loan at Nottingham Forest, where he has only made two starts in the league; however, it is unlikely that Forest will shorten his stay to support a rival.
With 14 goals, Sammie Szmodics of Blackburn is leading the scoring charts in the Championship. The 28-year-old may view this as a good opportunity to advance, but joining a team that is headed for relegation may feel like a contradiction.
The same is true for forward Morgan Whittaker, a 22-year-old who only recently joined Plymouth in July but has already scored 12 goals in the Championship.
However, good fortune to you. January is a busy month for strikers, so are you considering a move to Luton, Burnley, or Sheffield United? Yes, that might be a step in the wrong direction.
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