The Premier League season is about to get underway with Leeds United and Everton doing battle in the final game of the weekend on Monday night – and Troy Deeney has made his prediction.
Plenty has been made about the growing gap between the Premier League and the Championship, and how hard it is to avoid relegation for promoted sides. The last six promoted sides have been relegated.
There is a feeling that could change this season, with Leeds hopeful of breaking the trend. The likes of Wolves, Brentford, West Ham and others have lost key players this summer, and could be in a scrap.
Leeds need others to struggle if they are to survive and establish themselves as a Premier League side. But Daniel Farke is up against it, especially with Leeds struggling to bring in attacking players so far.
Daniel Farke during Leeds' draw with Villarreal.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Troy Deeney predicts Daniel Farke will be the first to be sacked
Farke has only ever managed one full season in the Premier League, and his side finished rock bottom. Of course, there is the caveat that he was not given the money necessary to stay up while Norwich manager.
However, the stat remains that Farke has won just six of 49 Premier League matches in his career. On TalkSPORT’s big Premier League preview, Troy Deeney believes Farke will be the first to be sacked.
“Daniel Farke [first to be sacked]. They got promoted last year, and Farke didn’t even celebrate because he thought he was getting the sack. There was lots of talk about whether he was going to be kept.
A closeup image of the Leeds United badge on a corner flag at Elland Road
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“As much as he is a good manager and a nice person, the Premier League is ruthless. The last time Leeds were there, they held on too long and brought in Big Sam at the end,” Deeney continued, on Leeds.
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“There will be so much pressure from the fanbase to deliver, I don’t think they will sit around. If they have a bad start, they won’t wait until November, they’ll get rid of him,” Deeney predicted, on Farke’s future.
Troy Deeney on punditry duty for Sky Sports.
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Troy Deeney thinks Leeds United will suffer relegation
When comparing the three clubs to come up to the Premier League, Leeds were best-positioned. Leeds have not sold any big players like Sunderland with Jobe Bellingham, or Burnley losing James Trafford.
But, Leeds are only just about to make their eighth signing in Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Sunderland have brought in 11 new faces and Burnley have agreed 13 signings, including turning four loans permanent.
Deeney though, still thinks Leeds will be relegated and told Sam Matterface that they will be the biggest disappointment this season: “There’s about eight teams you could put in biggest disappointment.
“But I’m going to go with Leeds United. With that crowd, you’d expect Leeds to get after teams but I think they’re just going to flatter to deceive, I really do. Leeds, Burnley, Wolves [to be relegated],” Deeney said.
While it is all hypothetical, Leeds fans know their side will be in the bottom five teams come May 2026. For the sake of Leeds supporters and Farke’s job security, hopefully it is in 16th or 17th and not below.