The battle for Premier League survival is already taking shape, and while many pundits have written off the newly promoted clubs before a ball has even been kicked, there is growing belief that at least two of them could spring a major surprise this season.
Hull City, Ipswich Town and Coventry City all arrive in the top flight with different expectations, different squads and different managers. But despite facing the enormous challenge of competing against England’s elite, there are genuine reasons why some believe relegation is not inevitable.
Among the three promoted clubs, Hull are viewed as the side facing the toughest task.
Their summer recruitment has focused heavily on strengthening defensive areas, including significant investment in two new goalkeepers. While improving the back line is understandable, questions remain over whether Hull possess enough attacking firepower to survive across a demanding 38-game campaign.
The departure of important attacking players has increased the pressure on Oli McBurnie, whose previous Premier League record has done little to convince critics that he can consistently score goals at the highest level. If Hull struggle in front of goal, survival could quickly become an uphill battle regardless of any defensive improvements.
Attention therefore turns to Ipswich Town.
Following the departure of Kieran McKenna, Gary O’Neil has inherited one of the biggest jobs of his managerial career. The former Wolves and Bournemouth boss arrives with valuable Premier League experience and now has the responsibility of keeping the Tractor Boys among England’s elite.
Ipswich have backed their new manager impressively during the transfer window.
The club have refreshed virtually every area of the squad, bringing in reinforcements across defence, midfield and attack. One of the headline additions is Brazilian striker Emersonn, who arrives with the expectation of adding much-needed goals after completing a high-profile move from Toulouse.
Former Fulham defender Issa Diop has also joined to strengthen the defence, while Chuba Akpom has completed a permanent move after previously impressing during his spell at Middlesbrough. Although Akpom has struggled for consistency elsewhere during his career, Ipswich hope regular football and O’Neil’s guidance can help him rediscover his best form.
The recruitment strategy reflects a club determined not simply to make up the numbers.
While avoiding relegation remains the primary objective, Ipswich believe they possess enough quality and balance to compete with several established Premier League sides. If their new signings settle quickly, they could prove far more competitive than many expect.
Coventry City are another fascinating case.
Unlike several promoted clubs that overhaul their squads immediately, Frank Lampard has largely maintained the core group of players that secured promotion. The club have added carefully selected reinforcements rather than making wholesale changes, suggesting confidence in the existing squad.
Among their biggest investments is a club-record goalkeeper signing, alongside exciting attacking addition Loum Tchaouna and defensive recruits expected to bring greater stability.
Lampard himself remains one of the biggest unknown factors.
Supporters and pundits remain divided over whether the former Chelsea boss has developed into a top-level manager or whether this represents another difficult challenge. The coming months could define his coaching reputation.
One factor working in favour of all three promoted clubs is the unpredictable nature of this Premier League season.
Several established teams are entering campaigns filled with uncertainty following managerial changes, major squad rebuilds or inconsistent recent performances. That instability could create opportunities for promoted sides to collect valuable points against clubs expected to finish comfortably above them.
Teams such as Crystal Palace, Everton, Fulham, Bournemouth and Brentford all face important transitional periods, while even some European challengers have shown defensive weaknesses during pre-season.
That means survival may require fewer points than in previous campaigns.
Rather than attempting to dominate possession against stronger opponents, pragmatism may prove the key.
Direct football, defensive organisation, disciplined teamwork and taking advantage of set-pieces could become the formula that keeps promoted clubs above the relegation zone. History has repeatedly shown that newly promoted sides willing to adapt often outperform those attempting to play expansive football beyond their capabilities.
For Ipswich, Coventry and Hull, survival remains the only realistic target.
If they can avoid getting dragged into long losing runs, capitalise on the inconsistency of established Premier League clubs and continue strengthening before the transfer window closes, the impossible may suddenly look achievable.
Many experts still predict immediate relegation for the promoted trio.
But football rarely follows the script.
With smart recruitment, experienced managers and a Premier League season already showing signs of unpredictability, Ipswich Town and Coventry City may yet prove that writing them off before the campaign begins could become one of the biggest mistakes of the season.
