State of the Premier League

The Premier League relegation battle – Who will face the drop? – By Ben Hutchinson

The battle for Premier League survival is beginning to take shape, but it remains to be seen whether the final relegation places will be decided before May.
Of the newly promoted sides, only Burnley currently look in serious danger as they sit 19th in the table, ten points from safety, while Leeds United have given themselves a strong chance of preserving their top-flight status following a three-year absence by building a five-point buffer above the drop zone. Sunderland, meanwhile, have exceeded expectations after an eight-year hiatus from the division and find themselves comfortably placed in tenth. In contrast, Wolverhampton Wanderers are widely viewed as already resigned to relegation, having managed just one win all season and accumulated only eight points overall. Despite the arrival of new manager Rob Edwards, there appears little he can do to halt the slide, although his side’s recent victory has at least eased fears of finishing with the lowest points total in Premier League history, a record still held by Derby County’s 11-point campaign in 2007–08.
The Current standings are as follows: *14th and below
14th: Tottenham Hotspur – 28pts
15th: Crystal Palace – 28pts
16th: Leeds United – 25pts
17th: Nottingham Forest – 25pts
18th: West Ham United – 20pts
19th: Burnley – 15pts
20th: Wolverhampton Wanderers – 8pts

Teams who are in trouble
It’s another season for West Ham United facing the possibility of the drop, five points from safety. It was a tough start to the season for the Hammers, with only three wins before Christmas and the new year didn’t bring any resolutions to their defensive struggles as they gifted fellow strugglers Wolves a first victory of the campaign, then a 2-1 home defeat to Nottingham Forest only increased the misery for supporters. However, three wins on the bounce, including a Fa Cup third round fixture against London rivals Queens Park Rangers and a last-gasp winner from Callum Wilson at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium has given Nuno Espirito Santo and his players renewed hope.
The concern for the 2023 Europa Conference League champions remains their defensive record. West Ham have conceded more goals than any side in the bottom five, and seven times this season they have shipped three or more goals in all competitions. Jarrod Bowen continues to shoulder much of the attacking responsibility, scoring seven times so far and placing himself firmly on Thomas Tuchel’s England radar ahead of the World Cup. With fixtures against Chelsea, Burnley and a resurgent Manchester United looming, the departure of Lucas Paquetá to Flamengo could prove costly.
Sean Dyche’s Nottingham Forest had a turbulent start to the season after current West Ham boss Nuno was sacked and replaced by Europa League winning manager Ange Postecoglou who failed to win a single game and was then replaced by the stalwart and trustworthy Dyche. Having to balance European football on a Thursday and Premier League duties on a Sunday, the former Everton boss is struggling to triumph in both. Just five points above the drop and some crunch-fixtures approaching against Leeds and Palace as well as a crucial European home game with Ferencvaros, it will be a testing period.
The overshadowing nature of Greek owner Evangelos Marinakis seems to have subsided recently, which may allow the focus to be on the pitch. If this is the case, there needs to be a greater attacking output from the frontline for The Reds. Just nine goals in their last nine games in all competitions and just 23 in the Premiership in the 23 games so far is not good enough. 87 shots on target is a cause for concern but for many supporters, it’s the simple lack of ideas and creativity. Losing star-man Anthony Elanga in the summer certainly holstered their attack but the 1980 European Cup winners are unbeaten in their last three league fixtures, winning two and grinding out a 0-0 draw with leaders Arsenal. Defensive frailties are something of the past now, as Dyche’s side have only conceded four goals domestically since the turn of the year.

Leeds United have endured a mixed campaign. Daniel Farke’s side made a slow start, winning just once in their opening month, but recent victories over Chelsea and Crystal Palace, coupled with draws against Liverpool and Manchester United, have transformed belief at Elland Road. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has justified his transfer with nine league goals, and if this form continues, survival looks achievable.
Teams who could be drawn into it
Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace have endured a difficult period since last season’s FA Cup triumph over Manchester City at Wembley. Missing out on Europa League qualification due to UEFA regulations, coupled with the departures of Eberechi Eze to Arsenal and captain Marc Guéhi to Manchester City for £30 million plus add-ons, has contributed to a sharp decline in form. Palace are now winless in 11 matches in all competitions, with their last victory coming in December, and have been dragged uncomfortably close to the bottom three. Their struggles were compounded by one of the biggest shocks in FA Cup history, as Northern Premier League side Macclesfield knocked out the holders with a 2-1 victory in the third round. Off the pitch, uncertainty surrounds Glasner’s future amid reports he is seeking an exit, while ownership disputes and criticism over player sales and a lack of squad depth have further divided supporter opinion in South London.

Tottenham Hotspur are unlikely relegation candidates, but their inclusion underlines broader concerns. Despite impressive Champions League performances, domestic form has faltered. The loss against West Ham and a 2-2 draw with Burnley have increased scrutiny on Thomas Frank, with frustration among supporters growing louder. While relegation remains improbable, the trajectory raises questions about Spurs’ direction.

With 15 games and 45 points still available, the relegation battle is far from settled. Who will crumble under pressure, and who will breathe a sigh of relief come May?