From Leeds United’s return to Sunderland’s predicted struggles, South African Premier League fans are keeping a close eye on the relegation battle — and backing their hunches using mobile-friendly apps like Hollywoodbets.
The Premier League returns in just a few weeks, with players now back from their summer holidays and preparing for the new campaign. For fans across South Africa, the return of the world’s most-watched league marks the end of winter and the start of nine months of high-octane football under clear blue skies.
If you’re one of them, you won’t have to miss a moment — all 380 Premier League matches are available live on SuperSport via DSTV. As always, one of the upcoming season’s biggest subplots is the battle to avoid the drop.
So, who will fall through the trapdoor and suffer the ignominy of relegation to the Championship?
Below, we’ll look at which clubs are most at risk and how you can keep up with the latest relegation odds across Mzansi.
How South African Fans Are Betting on the Drop
Even before the season kicks off, you’ll find odds highlighting the clubs most at risk in the relegation markets.
For example, If you install Hollywoodbets app, you’ll see a clear breakdown of which teams are viewed as likely to go down. Keep in mind — the lower the odds, the more likely a side is expected to be relegated.
Of course, you can also follow and place bets on every Premier League fixture in this app, not just on relegation. From title hopefuls to the race for the top four, live in-play options and updated markets let you stay involved with each twist of the season.
But, to that matter at hand, what do the latest odds say and who is being tipped to go down?
The Favourites to Go Down
Sunderland
Sunderland are back in the Premier League after winning the play-off final against Sheffield United under the Wembley arch. The Black Cats were behind for most of what’s often called the ‘richest game in football’ but pulled off a dramatic comeback thanks to a 95th-minute wonderstrike from Tom Watson.
While the win sparked euphoric celebrations, it also signalled the need for a major squad overhaul to meet the demands of the top flight.
As a result, Sunderland have splashed the cash to bring in Habib Diarra, Chemsdine Talbi, Noah Sadiki and Reinildo Mandava as part of their rebuilding effort. It’s been an ambitious transfer window for the Black Cats, with other clubs looking on enviously.
Crucially, though, the relegation markets remain unmoved — Sunderland are currently priced as favourites to go down at just 2/9.
Burnley
Burnley, who were promoted automatically alongside Leeds with 100 points, have had a summer transfer window dominated by uncertainty.
The Clarets made history last season by conceding just 16 goals in 46 matches — the fewest in English football league history. That defensive solidity was the backbone of their promotion and a major reason to believe they could stay up in the Premier League.
But with James Trafford and Maxime Estève both heavily linked with moves away and CJ Egan-Riley already gone, the core of that record-breaking back line is at risk of being dismantled. As a result, the relegation markets have Scott Parker’s side priced at just 7/20 to go down.
Leeds United
Leeds United, a club with a sizeable following in South Africa thanks to Lucas Radebe’s iconic spell at Elland Road, might offer the best chance yet of bucking the trend of newly promoted sides going straight back down. All six promoted clubs over the past two seasons have been relegated in their first year.
The Whites arrive with a strong foundation from their title-winning squad, with players like Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka, Joe Rodon, Willy Gnonto and Dan James all expected to make the step up. They’ve also recruited smartly, most notably bringing in towering defender Jaka Bijol from Udinese, who ranked among the top five defenders in Serie A for aerial duels won last season.
Another key addition is left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson from Lille, who played a major role in keeping Real Madrid scoreless during their Champions League meeting at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy on October 4th.
Additionally, with money still available to spend, Leeds are building a squad that looks capable of reaching the all-important 40-point mark.
That said, the markets aren’t entirely convinced just yet — Daniel Farke’s side are priced at 17/20 to be relegated.
Betting Smart from South Africa
There’s still plenty of water to flow under the bridge between August 15th and May 24th, 2026. While there’s value in placing an early bet — before prices tighten and squads settle — it’s just as important to keep an eye on who gets off to a flyer and who begins circling the drain.
After all, one surprise defeat can put the cat among the pigeons in the boardroom, and from there, a domino effect isn’t far behind.
Whether you’re watching live on SuperSport or checking odds on your phone while braaing, staying plugged in gives you the edge. And don’t be shocked if Brentford, West Ham or even Manchester United are hovering near the trapdoor come April.
