Premier League 2018/19: 5 Teams Most Likely To Be Relegated This Season

#3 Southampton

Hughes watches on from the sideline as the Saints lose 2-0 to Wolves

Last season, Southampton escaped the drop zone by a mere three points. They were abysmal for much of the campaign, but were saved at the death by Mark Hughes, who came in to secure a few points here and there; enough to see them have another season in the Premier League.

This year we're set to see much of the same from the Saints. They may have still performed better than the two teams already covered in this article, as they've managed to salvage two wins from seven, but the fact they're being dismantled in their defeats to sides that really shouldn't have so much control, speaks volumes.

You could make the case that Hughes is still adjusting to the new job and that the players are warming to his tactics, but if you've watched Southampton this season, you'll know that they've been abysmal. Even their two wins didn't come from a great performance; many have said that they were lucky to pick up the three points, and I'd be inclined to agree with them.

Southampton did have a productive summer transfer window, however, as they had signed the likes of Danny Ings and Jannik Vestergaard amongst others, both of whom have impressed thus far. But losing key players like Dusan Tadic, Sofiane Boufal and Jordy Clasie has been a huge blow to the Saints, and it's shown.

Attacking-wise, Southampton are quite strong. But defensively is where the main problem lies. They can score as many goals as they like, but if the rest of the squad is inadequate, you'll let in more than you score. That's simple to understand, but Southampton don't seem to have worked it out yet.