Probably the most open race in the world, the relegation battle in the Premier League has a story of its own. We have seen teams climb up the table out of nowhere. And we have certainly seen some fine teams dump to the second tier of English football. Leicester City is one such example of great survival in recent years. And they managed to do the unthinkable in the next season itself, winning the coveted trophy. Sunderland has a history of its own in this battle before ultimately going down in the 2016-17 season. While some clubs will be confident going into the final round of fixtures, others are yet to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
In our round-up to the Premier League season, here is the analysis of the Relegation Battle this time around:
Brighton and Hove Albion: Brighton is placed at 15, having a comfortable five-point cushion going into the final round of fixtures. They were a pleasant surprise last year but cannot be complacent this year around. They have secured seven points from their last five fixtures. The Seagulls have played the least number of matches in the last six. They have 33 points in 29 matches. They have a FA Cup semi-final visit to the Etihad Stadium coming too in the upcoming week. Their last six fixtures include Tottenham (A), Bournemouth (H), Wolverhampton (A), Newcastle United (H), Arsenal (A), and Manchester City (H).
Southampton: Saints are traditionally a mid-table team but they have underperformed for the second year running. They have 30 points in 30 matches and are placed at the Sixteenth position. They have two wins in their last five fixtures and should be able to avoid relegation this time around too. But there is nothing for the taking. Their last six fixtures include Liverpool (H), Wolverhampton (H), Newcastle United (A), Bournemouth (H), West Ham (A), and Huddersfield Town (H).
Burnley: Burnley are just above the relegation places at seventeenth. They have 30 points in 31 matches throughout the season. But with just one win coming in the last five fixtures, there is a lot to worry for the fans and everyone related to the club. They were in top form after Christmas and even took four points from Manchester United and Tottenham. They have a tough round of matches to come in the closing weeks of the season. They face Chelsea (A), Manchester City (H), Everton (A), and Arsenal (H).
Cardiff City: You cannot help but feel bad for Cardiff City. The newly-promoted side has struggled throughout the season and the death of their record transfer signing Emiliano Sala has made things even worse. They have two wins coming in their last five fixtures and have a total of 28 points in 30 matches. Their last six fixtures include Manchester City (A), Burnley (H), Liverpool (H), Fulham (A), Crystal Palace (H), and Manchester United (A). Will they be able to hold onto their top-flight status?
Fulham: Fulham have a total of 17 points in 31 matches and are set to be dropped out from the top tier of English football. One of the worst defensive units in the world is the London-based club. They have conceded a league-highest 70 goals in this campaign, eleven more than any other team. They have lost all their five last fixtures. Yes, it's fairly difficult but there is some light still left if you look at their upcoming fixtures. They face Watford (A), Everton (H), Bournemouth (A), Cardiff City (A), Wolverhampton (A), and Newcastle United (H). There are no top six sides among them.
Huddersfield Town: Huddersfield have consistently been in the league basement for quite some time now. They have a total of 14 points in 31 matches, with only one win coming in the last five fixtures. They could drop to the second tier of English football if other results go against them this week itself. Their last six fixtures include Leicester City (H), Tottenham (A), Watford (H), Liverpool (A), Manchester United (H) and Southampton (A). With such tough fixtures coming, you cannot help but see them going down this season.
With chances of Fulham and Huddersfield Town looking bleak, there remains only a fight for the third-relegation place.
