Five Players Who Will Be Instrumental in Helping to Keep Their Clubs in the Premier League This Season

the current five favourites to go down this season from the Premier League are Burnley, Crystal Palace, QPR, West Brom and Leicester... Every side has its heroes and come the end of the season fans of the Premier League's smaller clubs may just be singing the praises of the individual who almost single-handedly saved them from the drop.

Calculated by Oddschecker, the current five favourites to go down this season from the Premier League are Burnley, Crystal Palace, QPR, West Brom and Leicester, though here we have five men who may have something to say about that.

Every side has its heroes and come the end of the season fans of the Premier League's smaller clubs may just be singing the praises of the individual who almost single-handedly saved them from the drop.

From the sides most likely to be dropped into the second tier this season, here are five key players who will be doing everything to stop that happening:

5. Danny Ings - Burnley

Although it is highly unlikely that the 22-year-old will be as prolific this season as he was last term, scoring 26 goals in all competitions, Ings will still be vital to his side's success this time around.

Despite the potent partnership of Ings and Vokes in the Championship, Burnley were still relatively light on goals when compared with those around them and Sean Dyche will need to remedy this if his side are to remain in the Premier League.

If the Clarets are lacking up-top, then Ings will be the go-to man. He will need to adapt to the Premier League quickly if Burnley are to score their way out of the bottom three.

After a difficult start against Chelsea, Burnley head to Swansea where they realistically need to be aiming for at least a point before they welcome Manchester United to Turf Moor.

4. Mile Jedinak - Crystal Palace

Jedinak was one of Palace's most important players during their revival under Tony Pulis last season and he will undoubtedly be key once again if they are to avoid relegation after the Welsh manager walked from the club.

Jedinak was highly influential in his role at the heart of the midfield last year as Palace maintained an incredibly impressive defensive record.

Nonetheless, it remains to be seen whether the side can do the same without Pulis in charge - much rests on how much they learned from their departed manager and whether they can put similar work into practice with a new manager.

Without a permanent boss, Jedinak's role in leading Palace will be accentuated even further and he will be the man to drag them through matches when needs be.

3. Rio Ferdinand - QPR

It remains to be seen how much energy and motivation Rio Ferdinand still has to play at the highest level, though his defensive brain and leadership skills could be instrumental for QPR this season.

Harry Redknapp seems to want to play three at the back with wingbacks, a system that would be ideal for Ferdinand as it would not expose his lack of pace as much.

If Ferdinand can resurrect some of his old quality and marshal the defence as he once did for Manchester United, then QPR should have no trouble staving off relegation this season.

Beyond doubt is that picking up the 35-year-old on a free was a great bit of business from QPR, despite what his wages may be costing the club.

2. Brown Ideye - West Brom

Ideye has shown that he can score in every league that he has ever played in, which is exactly what this faltering West Brom side needs.

The Baggies have fallen away in recent seasons and their squad now looks rather thin and without significant investment. So much so that they are now tipped as one of the favourites for relegation this season.

If they are to remain in the Premier League this year, then it is Ideye's goals and partnership with Saido Berahino that will help keep them there.

Although he has not been what you could call a 'prolific' scorer over his career, he has been steady and consistent. If his past record is anything to go by, then expect as many as 15 Premier League goals from the Nigerian this campaign. It may just be enough to keep West Brom in the Premier League.

1. Leonardo Ulloa - Leicester

It remains to be seen whether Nigel Pearson will prefer Dave Nugent or £8 million signing Leonardo Ulloa from Brighton as both started against Everton in their opening fixture, though it seems unlikely that a newly-promoted side would drop an £8 million player.

Ulloa scored on his Premier League debut and will be hoping to continue such form throughout the entire season.

Leicester managed as many as 83 goals in the Championship last season and if Ulloa can add even more to this already high-scoring team, then Nigel Pearson's side should have no trouble keeping themselves in the Premier League.

Although Ulloa and much of the rest of the side are untested at this level, they will be relishing the challenge.

For more fan views and opinion visit www.ftbpro.com

Close

What's Hot