Premier League: Where do Sheffield United and Fulham rank in terms of worst starts?

Fulham and Sheffield United lost again to occupy an unwanted spot on a list of clubs that have had the worst start to the season in the Premier League.

Scott Parker’s side remains rooted at the bottom of the table, tied on points with Sheffield United and Burnley, who have only played four times and face Tottenham on Monday.

It’s still early in the season so Londoners and the Blades are hopeful, or does history suggest they are already doomed?

What do the numbers show?

The bad news for the duo is that only two teams have fared worse after the first six games of a Premier League campaign.

Crystal Palace lost its opening six games three seasons ago but made a remarkable comeback with Roy Hodgson not only to avoid relegation but also to finish 11th.

In the 2009-10 campaign, Portsmouth also lost its first six games and earned just seven wins to finish at the bottom of the table, 16 points from safety.

Eleven other teams have scored a solo point in their first six top flight games and of those teams, only Sunderland (2013-14), Newcastle (1999-00), Southampton (1998-99) and Blackburn (1996-97) managed to stay awake in May.

Speaking after the loss to Palace, manager Scott Parker told the BBC Match of the Day: “That’s where we are. This team is learning about the dynamics and good margins of this division.

“I see great improvements, this is a young team that plays against an established team in this division and knows its way.

“I hate losing and we have to win fast.”

Where can improvements be made?

The Cottagers have conceded 14 goals so far despite having more possession against four of the six teams they have faced.

Against Palace on Saturday, Fulham had 66% of the ball but failed to win the game.

Captain Tom Cairney, who scored impressive long-range consolation in the game, said: “It has been the story of the season. We have dominated possession in games and we have had more shots but we can’t seem to keep teams outside . “

At the top end of the field, Cairney’s injury-time goal prevented the possibility of going three home games without scoring, but his extravagance in front of goal has seen Fulham make just five of his 76 shots this season.

Sheffield United, meanwhile, have scored three goals together so far this season, although they were more like the team that impressed last season in Saturday’s loss at Anfield.

Manager Chris Wilder said: “I thought we did enough to get a result of the game. He was more like us, more aggressive and more competitive.”

Is the six point decline approaching?

Fulham’s next game is huge, and they host West Brom on Monday 2nd November.

With two draws and three losses, the Baggies have not had the best start to their return to the top flight and are heading to Brighton on Monday in search of their first victory.

Sheffield United faces a disappointing home game against Manchester City below.

Worst Premier League start ever …