Transfer expert runs rules over new Ipswich Town and Hull City signings, drops relegation verdict
Ipswich Town are set to struggle in the Premier League this season after failing to bring in the right players this summer.
That is the opinion of former Aston Villa, Everton and Tottenham scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.
The Tractor Boys were promoted automatically last season, making an immediate return to the Premier League after they were relegated in 2024.
Gary O'Neil is set to lead the squad back into the top fight, after Kieran McKenna unexpectedly resigned at the end of the season.
Ipswich have signed numerous players, including Julio Enciso, Emerson and Abdul Fatawu, while talks remain ongoing for several others.
Hull City and Coventry City will also be looking to stay up this season, as they attempt to bridge the quality gap.
Tottenham backed to avoid relegation battle
Naturally, all three promoted sides automatically become the favourites to go straight back down on a yearly basis.
The likes of Sunderland, Crystal Palace and even Newcastle United have also been tipped for a potentially difficult season, but it is unlikely that Tottenham will be back at the bottom.
The Lilywhites are on course to spend nearly £400million this summer and will have, for the most part, just one game per week to focus on.
"I think the teams that went up are always going to be under pressure. So I think at least two of those are going to be under real pressure again," King told Football Insider.
"I don't think Ipswich have brought the right kind of quality players in. Hull City are spending the money that they earned to go up. I can't see them being a middle of the table Premier League side.
"Not when you see that Burnley and West Ham went down last season after Burnley went up, and, of course, West Ham were an established side in the league.
"But I think at least two of those sides that come up are going to be struggling to keep in the Premier Division, personally. I'll be very surprised if Spurs finish 17th this year. Spent a lot of money."
What has the supercomputer predicted?
Opta's supercomputer has tipped all three promoted teams to go straight back down this season.
Hull have been given a huge 42.25 per cent chance of finishing in the bottom three, after coming up through the play-offs.
Ipswich have been given a 30.8 per cent chance, and Coventry a 27.88 per cent chance of going down.
Home form will be key for all three teams, who will hope to see a more established side dragged into the fight.