How do teams pointless after four matches fare in the Premier League?

Portsmouth (2009-10)

Even before their nine-point deduction, the writing was on the wall for Portsmouth. The South Coast side lost their first six matches and spent 37 out of the 38 weeks of the season rooted to the bottom of the table. The dire financial situation at Fratton Park would eventually see the club plummet to League Two.

Sunderland (2005-06)

Sunderland spent just five weeks off the bottom of the table in a season which produced three solitary victories. Mick McCarthy, Kevin Ball and Niall Quinn all took turns in the dugout but each could do nothing to resurrect the beleaguered Black Cats.

Middlesbrough (2001-02)

Steve McLaren got off to the worst possible start in his first managerial role by losing his opening four matches. Boro recovered to win 12 of their subsequent 34 games to finish nine points above the relegation zone in 12^th.

Southampton (1998-99)

A 5-0 defeat to league debutants Charlton Athletic proved the lowlight in an eight-game winless run at the start the season for Southampton.

The Saints wouldn’t move out of the bottom-three for 34 consecutive weeks until three wins from three at the end of the campaign preserved their top-flight status. Manager Dave Jones remained throughout.

Aston Villa (1997-98)

Brian Little’s Aston Villa recovered from a horrendous start to end the season with a UEFA Cup spot under John Gregory. Dwight Yorke’s form was crucial towards the end of the campaign as the Villans finished with nine wins from their last 11 matches.

Swindon Town (1993-94)

A pair of five-goal maulings in their opening four matches set the tone for a year where Swindon would ship 100 goals and finish bottom of the Premier League. The Robins won just five matches all season long, with two of those coming against Queens Park Rangers.

Click here for more Premier League odds with Coral.

Big match previews, betting tips and transfer news – Coral has it all.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing