Former Premier League midfielder Robbie Mustoe has delivered his verdict on whether Leeds United, Sunderland and Burnley can avoid relegation this season.
Leeds’ draw against Bournemouth means they have moved up to eight points from six games, in a strong start to life back in the Premier League.
The result means Daniel Farke has matched Leeds’ points total from the 22/23 season after six games, before a spectacular collapse saw them eventually slip to relegation, and they are well placed in their attempt to stay in the top flight.
The three newly-promoted sides have enjoyed a strong return to the top flight, achieving the best combined points total in eight Premier League seasons at this stage.
Now, Mustoe has delivered his verdict on whether any of the three teams can buck the recent trend and stay in the Premier League this year.
Robbie Mustoe delivers Premier League relegation prediction
Speaking on the Two Robbies Podcast alongside fellow NBC presenter Robbie Earle, Mustoe was full of praise for Leeds and Sunderland after both sides started the season well following promotion from the Championship.
According to Mustoe, the outlook does not look good for Burnley. However, he is more confident about Leeds and Sunderland’s hopes of remaining in the Premier League this season.
“It’s a little bit of kick in the teeth for Leeds, who I’m sure wanted three points at Elland Road. But again, Leeds look competitive, look like they’re going to give it a good go this time around,” Mustoe said, “I’m closely looking at Leeds.
“I know that the three promoted teams have had a really good start. You know, when you look at them now to make a real quick assessment, I feel like Sunderland, wow, never thought I’d be saying this, but look like a really good chance to stay up. I feel like Burnley are going to really struggle to stay up.
“And I think that Leeds United are going to be right there, you know, they’ve got a chance. But it could go one way or the other. And that’s way early, and it’s a real flippant, maybe a little flippant comment, but just in terms of the first six games and what we’ve seen, you know, Leeds have got a chance.
“And that’s more we can say for the promoted teams last year, Rob, when they always looked like they were struggling. So I’d love to see Leeds do it. It’s a huge football club, and we know they’re making additions and modifications to the stadium. Tons of fans there. We know that.
“When I saw it at 2 -1, I’m like, wow, that’s going to be a big result. Because Bournemouth are good. Bournemouth are really good. Really good team.”
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Draw has not changed Leeds United’s survival hopes
Following Leeds’ win over Wolves, the Opta Supercomputer dramatically boosted the Whites’ hopes of survival, predicting that they will now finish 16th in the table.
Although Leeds failed to add another win against Bournemouth, the Opta Supercomputer has not changed its view on where Farke’s side will finish this season.
In the latest update to their predictions, Opta are still predicting that Leeds will finish 16th, with a final points total of 41.26.
The big winners from the relegation battle are Sunderland, who have climbed out of the bottom three. They are now projected to finish 17th, ahead of relegation rivals West Ham.
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