As the calendar turns to March and EPL teams look forward to their last 8-9 matches of the season, the attention of many clubs and their fans is directed towards the bottom of the EPL table, how they can avoid the bottom 3 and stay in the Premiership for another season.
As a Fulham fan, I must say this year's relegation battle leaves me somewhat saddened, as it appears that we have two clubs (one being Fulham) that are destined for relegation. I loved Huddersfield's resolve last season to stay afloat, but it doesn't look like either Hudderfield or Fulham have the ability to win matches this season, and it would take a miracle to save either.
But, the fight for the final relegation spot does look like it will be a competitive one, and possibly we could see a club with 35-40 points endure relegation in the third position. So we will begin tracking results and schedules for those teams who are in the relegation battle. As in year's past teams may come and go, but for now there appears to be a clear line for those teams which are a part of the relegation discussion.
Current Standings:
13 Newcastle United 34 points (30 Games Played)
14 Crystal Palace 33 points (30 Games Played)
15 Brighton and Hove Albion 33 points (29 Games Played)
16 Southampton 30 points (30 Games Played)
17 Burnley 30 Points (30 Games Played)
18 Cardiff 28 points (30 Games Played)
19 Fulham 17 points (30 Games Played)
20 Huddersfield Town 14 points (30 Games Played)
Here is a brief look at the clubs currently in the relegation battle:
13. Newcastle United (34 Points, -9 Goal differential). The Magpies started off the season abysmally, going winless in their first 10 PL matches, claiming only 3 points over that period. But they have turned things around and are recently in a good run of form, going 5W-2L-1T in their last 8, including a home win over Manchester City. Newcastle's schedule is pretty light down the stretch as they only have two more matches against top 6 clubs (@ Arsenal and Liverpool-H) so their form should serve them well as they look to avoid a real relegation battle.
14. Crystal Palace (33 points, -5 goal differential). Palace have had a season that has seen them avoid the big losing streaks like they faced last season, but they have not been able to put together consistent wins either. Their current form should be sufficient to keep them above the relegation line, as they have gone 3W-2L-2T in their last 7. The Eagles do have matches remaining at Arsenal and Tottenham, as well as a home rematch with Manchester City (whom Palace beat at the Ethiad in December), but given their current form the club should find enough points in their other matches to avoid a real scare.
15. Brighton Hove and Albion (33 points, -10 goal differential). Much like Palace, Brighton have had an up and down season which has seen them avid the big stretches of losses but also fail to find a way to string together wins. Brighton have won their last two matches over Huddersfield and Palace, so they appear to be hitting a good stride at the right time. The schedule is a bit difficult down the stretch as they still have matches remaining away to Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal, with the final match of the season being home to Manchester City, so getting points against lesser opponents will be critical.
16. Southampton (30 points, -16 goal differential). At this time last year Southampton found themselves in 16th place, looking to keep their heads above the relegation line. This year, Southampton find themselves in 16th place, two points clear of the relegation line. The Saints have had a tough stretch of games as of late, traveling to Arsenal and Manchester United, as well as hosting Tottenham, but the club played well at United and beat Tottenham, so there is again hope that they will be able to keep their heads above water once again. Southampton does have the easiest stretch now through the end of the season, with the only top 6 test remaining being a home match with Liverpool, so if the Saints claim points from the matches they should then their chances of avoiding relegation appear very bright.
17. Burnley (30 points, -23 goal differential). Following last season's magical run to a top 7 position and a spot in the Europa League, there was concern whether this club could keep up that kind of pace. Those fears have been realized as Burnley now see themselves just on the outside of the relegation spots in 17th place. The season started off poorly, as the club claimed just 2 victories from their first 15 matches. The Clarets looked to have righted their ship in January and February, but they have now lost their last three PL matches, which has seen them drop again to this precarious position. Burnley will need to get points when they should over their last 8, as they have difficult matches remaining with Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal.
18. Cardiff City (28 points, -30 goal differential). Cardiff are looking to avoid relegation following their promotion to the PL last year, but it will be a difficult task for the club. It took the Bluebird a while to get going in the PL this year, claiming their first victory in their 9th match of the season, and that being against fellow promoted club (and fellow relegation dweller) Fulham. The club has gone 3-3 in their last 6, so there is hope that they can catch Burnley or Southampton, but the schedule down the stretch is a bear, with remaining matches against Chelsea, Man City, Liverpool and Manchester United. Going to be tough for Cardiff to avoid a "one and done" season in the PL.
19. Fulham (17 points, -40 goal differential). Speaking of one and done, it looks like my beloved Fulham are all set for an immediate return back to the Championship after one season in the EPL. Fulham have given up more goals than any other club in the top 5 leagues in Europe and 11 more than any other club in the EPL. That is historically bad defense. The club is now on coach number 3 for the season, and bless Scott Parker's heart, but I don't think there is enough magic in the world for the club to avoid relegation this season. Wins in the Whites last 8 matches (they have won 4 of their first 30) would get them to 41 points, which should be enough to avoid relegation, but that appears what it will take, and the chances of this club winning 8 matches in a row are less than a snowball's chance in hell.
20. Huddersfield Town (14 points, -38 goal differential). Huddersfield were my favorite relegation story of last season, as the club miraculously stayed above the line and got to enjoy a second season in the EPL. This season does not appear to be quite the same story, as the club has struggled all year long, winning only 3 matches out of 30. Their snowball's chances in hell are even less than Fulham's, so it appears Huddersfield should be planning for a Championship run next season.
While two relegation spots seem all but assured, the battle for spot #3 in the relegation fight will be a good one, so there is much to look forward to!
Key Weekend Relegation Matches:
Saturday
Bournemouth v. Newcastle (10am, Vitality Stadium) NBC Gold. AFC Bournemouth are looking for back-to-back victories after triumphing at Huddersfield Town last time out. Newcastle United, who lie one place and three points behind their hosts, are aiming for a fourth win in five matches. With a loss Bournemouth clould find themselves in the relegation discussion, so this is a big match for both clubs. Newcastle won 2-1 when the clubs met earlier this season at St. James.
Burnley v. Leicester (10am, Turf Moor) NBCSN. Burnley are seeking to halt a three-match losing run after slipping into 17th place, just two points above the relegation zone, while Leicester City are looking for a third win in four matches. The clubs tied 0-0 in the prior match back in November at King Power. This will be a big match for Burnley as they desperately need 3 points from home matches.
West Ham v. Huddersfield (10 am, London Stadium). NBC Gold. West Ham United are aiming for a third win in five matches as they entertain bottom side Huddersfield Town, who are seeking to avoid a third straight defeat. West Ham are unbeaten in their three Premier League matches against Huddersfield. The Hammers have not lost a PL home match against the side starting the day bottom of the table since February 2007. If you are watching this match you are either a masochist or a Hammers fan, or in that case likely both.
Sunday
Fulham v. Liverpool (9:15 am, Craven Cottage). NBCSN. Fulham are without a win since January, when they came back from 2-0 down to beat Brighton & Hove Albion 4-2 at Craven Cottage. Liverpool have drawn their last three Premier League matches away from Anfield and have scored just once on their travels since a 1-0 win at Brighton in January. Fulham are looking for their first point against Liverpool since a 1-0 win at Anfield in May 2012. The Reds are unbeaten in their last 11 PL matches against promoted sides (W10 D1), winning the last eight in a row. So the Cottagers run of 8 straight wins begins here!!!! Well, maybe not.
Off this weekend (FA Cup weekend):
Crystal Palace
Brighton Hove and Albion
Southampton
Cardiff
Enjoy the weekend!
As a Fulham fan, I must say this year's relegation battle leaves me somewhat saddened, as it appears that we have two clubs (one being Fulham) that are destined for relegation. I loved Huddersfield's resolve last season to stay afloat, but it doesn't look like either Hudderfield or Fulham have the ability to win matches this season, and it would take a miracle to save either.
But, the fight for the final relegation spot does look like it will be a competitive one, and possibly we could see a club with 35-40 points endure relegation in the third position. So we will begin tracking results and schedules for those teams who are in the relegation battle. As in year's past teams may come and go, but for now there appears to be a clear line for those teams which are a part of the relegation discussion.
Current Standings:
13 Newcastle United 34 points (30 Games Played)
14 Crystal Palace 33 points (30 Games Played)
15 Brighton and Hove Albion 33 points (29 Games Played)
16 Southampton 30 points (30 Games Played)
17 Burnley 30 Points (30 Games Played)
18 Cardiff 28 points (30 Games Played)
19 Fulham 17 points (30 Games Played)
20 Huddersfield Town 14 points (30 Games Played)
Here is a brief look at the clubs currently in the relegation battle:
13. Newcastle United (34 Points, -9 Goal differential). The Magpies started off the season abysmally, going winless in their first 10 PL matches, claiming only 3 points over that period. But they have turned things around and are recently in a good run of form, going 5W-2L-1T in their last 8, including a home win over Manchester City. Newcastle's schedule is pretty light down the stretch as they only have two more matches against top 6 clubs (@ Arsenal and Liverpool-H) so their form should serve them well as they look to avoid a real relegation battle.
14. Crystal Palace (33 points, -5 goal differential). Palace have had a season that has seen them avoid the big losing streaks like they faced last season, but they have not been able to put together consistent wins either. Their current form should be sufficient to keep them above the relegation line, as they have gone 3W-2L-2T in their last 7. The Eagles do have matches remaining at Arsenal and Tottenham, as well as a home rematch with Manchester City (whom Palace beat at the Ethiad in December), but given their current form the club should find enough points in their other matches to avoid a real scare.
15. Brighton Hove and Albion (33 points, -10 goal differential). Much like Palace, Brighton have had an up and down season which has seen them avid the big stretches of losses but also fail to find a way to string together wins. Brighton have won their last two matches over Huddersfield and Palace, so they appear to be hitting a good stride at the right time. The schedule is a bit difficult down the stretch as they still have matches remaining away to Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal, with the final match of the season being home to Manchester City, so getting points against lesser opponents will be critical.
16. Southampton (30 points, -16 goal differential). At this time last year Southampton found themselves in 16th place, looking to keep their heads above the relegation line. This year, Southampton find themselves in 16th place, two points clear of the relegation line. The Saints have had a tough stretch of games as of late, traveling to Arsenal and Manchester United, as well as hosting Tottenham, but the club played well at United and beat Tottenham, so there is again hope that they will be able to keep their heads above water once again. Southampton does have the easiest stretch now through the end of the season, with the only top 6 test remaining being a home match with Liverpool, so if the Saints claim points from the matches they should then their chances of avoiding relegation appear very bright.
17. Burnley (30 points, -23 goal differential). Following last season's magical run to a top 7 position and a spot in the Europa League, there was concern whether this club could keep up that kind of pace. Those fears have been realized as Burnley now see themselves just on the outside of the relegation spots in 17th place. The season started off poorly, as the club claimed just 2 victories from their first 15 matches. The Clarets looked to have righted their ship in January and February, but they have now lost their last three PL matches, which has seen them drop again to this precarious position. Burnley will need to get points when they should over their last 8, as they have difficult matches remaining with Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal.
18. Cardiff City (28 points, -30 goal differential). Cardiff are looking to avoid relegation following their promotion to the PL last year, but it will be a difficult task for the club. It took the Bluebird a while to get going in the PL this year, claiming their first victory in their 9th match of the season, and that being against fellow promoted club (and fellow relegation dweller) Fulham. The club has gone 3-3 in their last 6, so there is hope that they can catch Burnley or Southampton, but the schedule down the stretch is a bear, with remaining matches against Chelsea, Man City, Liverpool and Manchester United. Going to be tough for Cardiff to avoid a "one and done" season in the PL.
19. Fulham (17 points, -40 goal differential). Speaking of one and done, it looks like my beloved Fulham are all set for an immediate return back to the Championship after one season in the EPL. Fulham have given up more goals than any other club in the top 5 leagues in Europe and 11 more than any other club in the EPL. That is historically bad defense. The club is now on coach number 3 for the season, and bless Scott Parker's heart, but I don't think there is enough magic in the world for the club to avoid relegation this season. Wins in the Whites last 8 matches (they have won 4 of their first 30) would get them to 41 points, which should be enough to avoid relegation, but that appears what it will take, and the chances of this club winning 8 matches in a row are less than a snowball's chance in hell.
20. Huddersfield Town (14 points, -38 goal differential). Huddersfield were my favorite relegation story of last season, as the club miraculously stayed above the line and got to enjoy a second season in the EPL. This season does not appear to be quite the same story, as the club has struggled all year long, winning only 3 matches out of 30. Their snowball's chances in hell are even less than Fulham's, so it appears Huddersfield should be planning for a Championship run next season.
While two relegation spots seem all but assured, the battle for spot #3 in the relegation fight will be a good one, so there is much to look forward to!
Key Weekend Relegation Matches:
Saturday
Bournemouth v. Newcastle (10am, Vitality Stadium) NBC Gold. AFC Bournemouth are looking for back-to-back victories after triumphing at Huddersfield Town last time out. Newcastle United, who lie one place and three points behind their hosts, are aiming for a fourth win in five matches. With a loss Bournemouth clould find themselves in the relegation discussion, so this is a big match for both clubs. Newcastle won 2-1 when the clubs met earlier this season at St. James.
Burnley v. Leicester (10am, Turf Moor) NBCSN. Burnley are seeking to halt a three-match losing run after slipping into 17th place, just two points above the relegation zone, while Leicester City are looking for a third win in four matches. The clubs tied 0-0 in the prior match back in November at King Power. This will be a big match for Burnley as they desperately need 3 points from home matches.
West Ham v. Huddersfield (10 am, London Stadium). NBC Gold. West Ham United are aiming for a third win in five matches as they entertain bottom side Huddersfield Town, who are seeking to avoid a third straight defeat. West Ham are unbeaten in their three Premier League matches against Huddersfield. The Hammers have not lost a PL home match against the side starting the day bottom of the table since February 2007. If you are watching this match you are either a masochist or a Hammers fan, or in that case likely both.
Sunday
Fulham v. Liverpool (9:15 am, Craven Cottage). NBCSN. Fulham are without a win since January, when they came back from 2-0 down to beat Brighton & Hove Albion 4-2 at Craven Cottage. Liverpool have drawn their last three Premier League matches away from Anfield and have scored just once on their travels since a 1-0 win at Brighton in January. Fulham are looking for their first point against Liverpool since a 1-0 win at Anfield in May 2012. The Reds are unbeaten in their last 11 PL matches against promoted sides (W10 D1), winning the last eight in a row. So the Cottagers run of 8 straight wins begins here!!!! Well, maybe not.
Off this weekend (FA Cup weekend):
Crystal Palace
Brighton Hove and Albion
Southampton
Cardiff
Enjoy the weekend!