The Premier League survival scrap rarely waits until spring to reveal itself. Even before a ball is kicked, the warning signs are usually there: promoted teams adapting to the pace, second-season sides trying to prove they belong, and established clubs hoping a poor summer does not drag them into trouble.
For 2026/27, the relegation conversation naturally starts with the three promoted clubs: Hull City, Coventry City and Ipswich Town. But survival battles are rarely that neat. Sunderland, Leeds United, Fulham, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Brentford, Everton and Bournemouth could all find themselves looking nervously over their shoulders if form, injuries or recruitment go against them.
Hull City: The Play-Off Winners With the Steepest Climb
Hull City come up as the play-off winners, which usually brings both romance and risk. Promotion through Wembley is unforgettable, but it often means a club has had less time to plan for the Premier League than the teams who secured automatic promotion.
Hull have been here before. Their previous Premier League spells brought memorable moments, but also instability, relegation battles and the familiar challenge of trying to bridge the gap between the Championship and the top flight. This return feels like a major step forward for the club, but also one that could expose the limits of a squad built to compete in a very different league.
Can Hull Survive?
Hull will likely begin the season as one of the strongest relegation candidates. That is not because they lack spirit, but because play-off winners often arrive with the biggest squad-building job. The Premier League punishes hesitation, and Hull cannot afford to spend the opening months simply finding out how big the gap is.
Their route to survival will probably need to be pragmatic. They must be difficult to play through, disciplined without the ball and dangerous in transition. If they try to trade open games with established Premier League sides, they could be overwhelmed.
What Hull Need
Hull need pace, goals and top-flight experience. A reliable centre-forward is essential, but they also need wide players who can carry the ball 40…
..
