Promoted sides struggling to achieve level playing field

We like to assume that there is a level playing field when it comes to games, both online and offline, as well as sports, most of which are obviously played in the “real world” rather than the digital domain. Psychologically, we feel reassured and far more confident if we think that the outcome of games and sports depends (at least primarily) upon our level of skill and expertise.

Odds stacked against promoted clubs

Turning to football, though, does a level playing field exist for clubs promoted to the Premier League? Or, are they at a serious disadvantage before a ball has even been kicked?

How are this season’s promoted sides faring so far?

Leicester City

Of the three sides who have come up from the Championship, Leicester have made the best start and have adapted well to the extra demands of the Premier League. They have won two, drawn two and lost two of their first six games this season. However, that statistic only tells half the story.

They have already played some of the best teams in the league, losing at Chelsea but holding Arsenal and Everton to draws and beating Manchester United. To have eight points from six games, especially considering the quality of the opposition, suggests that Leicester should have enough to comfortably survive.

So far this season:

• Drew v Everton
• Lost to Chelsea
• Drew with Arsenal
• Beat Stoke
• Beat Manchester United
• Lost to Crystal Palace

QPR

QPR only secured promotion via the play-offs. They were predicted to struggle and have so far, winning just one of their first six fixtures. They beat Sunderland at home and fought back to claim a draw against Stoke, but have lost the other four games and face Liverpool and Chelsea in their next four games.

In Harry Redknapp they have an experienced Premier League manager and he will need to use all his nous to get Rangers to safety.

So far this season:

• Lost to Hull
• Lost to Tottenham
• Beat Sunderland
• Lost to Manchester United
• Drew with Stoke
• Lost to Southampton

Burnley

Burnley were the surprise package in the Championship last season, winning automatic promotion despite having one of the smallest budgets in the league. Sean Dyche has done a wonderful job at Turf Moor and they have resisted spending vast amounts to bring in new players. However, they have also found the step up a difficult one.

With last season’s leading scorer Danny Ings out injured they have struggled badly for goals, only scoring one in the first six games and that came in the first game against Chelsea which they lost 3-1.

Their next two games are against Leicester and West Ham and they will need some points from those games to try and get off the bottom of the table.

So far this season:

• Lost to Chelsea
• Lost to Swansea
• Drew with Manchester United
• Drew with Crystal Palace
• Drew with Sunderland
• Lost to West Brom