With just five points separating 12th and 20th in the Premier League table, nine teams have a realistic chance of going down.
The relegation battle this season is proving to be one of the tightest and most intriguing of all time.
Crystal Palace (12th – 27 points)
Crystal Palace have not won a single game in 2023 – a winless run stretching to 10 Premier League games and counting. Now just three points above the drop zone, this terrible form has dragged Patrick Vieira’s side into the relegation picture.
The main reason for this horrendous run of form is a lack of attacking threat. Following their 1-0 loss to Manchester City last Saturday, the Eagles became the first team not to register a shot on target in three consecutive Premier League games since records for that stat began.
If Palace do not start scoring soon, their Premier League status will be in serious jeopardy.
Wolverhampton Wanderers (13th – 27 points)
Although Wolves are just three points above the relegation zone, they have seen an upturn in results since Julen Lopetegui replaced Bruno Lage as their manager in November. Five of their seven Premier League wins this season have come under the Spanish boss.
Wolves also strengthened well in the January transfer window with reinforcements such as Matheus Cunha, Pablo Sarabia and Craig Dawson adding quality and depth to their squad.
However, an area they will have to improve on in the final 11 games is finding the back of the net – they are the Premier League’s joint lowest scorers (20) this season alongside Everton and Southampton. Pedro Neto’s recent return from injury could be key to that.
Nottingham Forest (14th – 26 points)
After spending more than £150 million on a whopping 22 summer signings and adding a further seven players in January, Nottingham Forest are still battling for survival in their first season back in the top-flight since 1998/99.
Steve Cooper’s side are just two points above the relegation zone and winless in five games. They have struggled at both ends of the pitch, with their squad struggling to gel.
They will be boosted by the return of several key players from injury after the international break which could aid their survival bid.
Everton (15th – 25 points)
Since Sean Dyche replaced Frank Lampard as Everton manager in late January, Everton’s form has improved significantly.
The Toffees have taken 10 points from a possible 21 since Dyche was appointed, including an impressive 1-0 win over league leaders Arsenal in his first game in charge.
Everton’s main problem this season has been goals. They are the joint lowest scorers (20) in the Premier League this season, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s impending return to fitness could boost them massively.
Leicester City (16th – 24 points)
Leicester City have had an extremely poor season considering the quality they possess in their squad.
Although Brendan Rodgers’ side have scored more goals (37) than any of their relegation rivals in the Premier League this season, they have been incredibly leaky at the back.
Only Nottingham Forest (47) and Bournemouth (51) have shipped more goals than the Foxes.
Leicester have lost four games on the spin and will need to tighten their defence to give themselves the best chance of survival.
West Ham United (17th – 24 points)
At the beginning of the season not many people would have predicted West Ham to be involved in a relegation battle following their 7th-place finish last term.
However, that is the reality of the situation they find themselves in. The Hammers have had an extremely disappointing campaign and only sit above the relegation zone on goal difference.
Considering the experience of David Moyes and the quality within West Ham’s squad you would expect them to dig themselves out of this situation, but they must start finding form sooner rather than later.
Their involvement in this season’s Europa Conference League could act as a distraction to their survival bid.
Bournemouth (18th – 24 points)
Considering Bournemouth were heavily tipped to go down at the start of the season, they have acquitted themselves reasonably well on their return to the top flight.
Although the Cherries have conceded the most goals (51) out of any team in the Premier League, they have looked a threat going forward and have picked up some good results.
They got the better of Liverpool in an impressive 1-0 victory last time out and were unlucky to lose 3-2 to Arsenal in the 97th minute the previous weekend.
Gary O’Neil‘s side have every chance of staying up if they can tighten up their backline.
Leeds United (19th – 23 points)
Leeds United have won fewer games (5) than any other team in the Premier League this season and have won just one match since their 4-3 victory over Bournemouth on November 5.
Recently appointed head coach Javi Gracia has a lot of work to do if Leeds are to retain their Premier League status.
The return of the experienced Liam Cooper and top goalscorer Rodrigo from injury will be crucial in Leeds’ run-in.
Southampton (20th – 22 points)
Southampton sit rock bottom of the table and are the joint lowest scorers (20) in the Premier League this season.
However, they have seen a dramatic upturn in results since Ruben Selles took over from Nathan Jones last month. The Saints have taken seven points from a possible 12 since Selles’ first game in charge, including an impressive 1-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Selles is the youngest and most inexperienced head coach in the Premier League, but he seems to be getting the most out of his youthful Southampton side.
Whether they can keep up this form and remain in the top flight remains to be seen.
Prediction
18) Nottingham Forest
19) Leeds United
20) Southampton
