EPL: Home form key for promoted sides

The three sides promoted from the Championship last season all have wins under their belts but they will know they face a huge challenge to stay in the Premier League.

Of course, it is far from impossible. Norwich and Swansea survived comfortably two seasons ago, while West Ham and Southampton did the same last term. Stoke are a good example of a good club that came up and stayed up.

One problem for the three teams is the absence of other obvious relegation candidates. Sunderland and West Brom have started poorly but have made some good summer signings. In fact, most Premier League squads are stronger than last season.

Palace, Hull and Cardiff have done their level best to close the gap on their new rivals. The Eagles signed 16 players, the Tigers 11 and the Bluebirds eight.

Palace and Cardiff were particularly strong at home last season, each losing only two of 23 games. All three teams will need to pick up the bulk of their Premier League points in front of their own fans.

Selhurst Park, Cardiff City Stadium and the KC are all difficult places to go, as the sides have already shown this season. With passionate crowds behind them, they can all feel confident of survival.

However, the odds are at least one of Palace, Cardiff or Hull will go down. The three promoted teams have all avoided relegation only twice in Premier League history.

Much will depend on luck with injuries and the rub of the green, something Palace boss Ian Holloway has complained about already.

All three sides have talent in their squads but it remains to be seen whether they have the heart for a relegation dogfight.