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Phil Kitromilides believes Paul Lambert's departure will hurt the Canaries in their fight for survival, while at 6/1 (7.00) the London side are good value to be relegated

Traditionally, sides newly promoted to the Premier League face the greatest battle to maintain their top flight status and the prices on them being relegated are generally reflective of this anticipated struggle.

However, last season all three newcomers managed to survive and this will give encouragement to Southampton, Reading and West Ham who have rejoined the elite of English football for the forthcoming season.

With fewer resources than their two historically stronger, fellow newcomers it is unsurprising to find Reading as the favourites to go down, with Panbet pricing them at 23/20 (2.15) for the drop. Although the Royals do have the backing of some wealthy owners.

Premier League Relegation Odds
Odds courtesy of PanBet
Reading	23/20
Southampton	13/10
Norwich City	3/2
Wigan Athletic	3/2
Swansea City	19/10
West Ham United	5/2

After two successive promotions Southampton find themselves back in the Premier League for the first time since 2005, and are fractionally behind the Royals in the betting, priced as they are at 13/10 (2.30) to go straight back down.

Logically one might expect the third newly promoted side, West Ham, to follow in the betting, yet the Hammers are clearly deemed to have sufficient wherewithal to avoid the ignominy of immediate relegation and are priced at 5/2 (3.50).

Norwich City and Wigan Athletic are both offered at 3/2 (2.50) to be relegated and the price on the Canaries looks like holding some value.

While the Latics managed to hold onto their highly rated young manager in Roberto Martinez, Norwich saw their boss leave, with Paul Lambert swapping Carrow Road for Villa Park.

Lambert's analytical approach was instrumental in Norwich's rise from League One to Premier League in two seasons, and his departure is likely to seriously dent the side's momentum.

An injury to either John Ruddy or Grant Holt would have massive repercussions on their small squad, and backing the side from Norfolk to be relegated looks like a shrewd investment.

For a value bet, taking Queens Park Rangers to be relegated at 6/1 (7.00) could be an attractive proposition.

Despite investment in the transfer market, the Hoops remain a small club, with a limited, if undoubtedly passionate fan base.

Last season's inability to make their compact Loftus Road stadium into a fortress saw them struggle, and a failure once more to find some home form could have serious consequences.

RPremier League Relegation

BEST BET

VALUE BET

Norwich to be relegated at 3/2 (2.50) with Panbet

QPR to be relegated at 6/1 (7.00) with Panbet

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Phil Kitromilides is a sports broadcaster working on radio and TV in London and Madrid. You can also follow Phil on Twitter.