We are a much better side than we were a year ago (even for those who pine for Djed/Garner/Keinan/Brice) playing against much tougher opposition.
The worry about relegation is not just that some of the best players leave (or don't extend loans) but that we can get dragged down to playing at our former level. This is where Fulham and Burnley have done well…by establishing a playing style that guarantees promotion and sets up for success the following season.