As the calendar approaches the end of February and all relegation contenders have 13 matches remaining, it is time, again, to start the annual relegation watch. Now is when the bottom half in the league begin to focus more on survival and less on a top 6 spot.
This year's race really comes down to one teamFulham. If Fulham continue to play at their current pace then the race will be really interesting. If Fulham drop off then the relegation battle could be over in short order. Sheffield United and West Brom appear to be all but done, leaving the attention on the one remaining relegation spot, currently held by Fulham. As a Fulham supporter myself, I am cheering for their safety, but even more so, as a fan of a great relegation battle, I want them to make this an exciting finish for the bottom tier of the table.
Current Standings:
Club Points (All have played 25 matches)
15. Burnley 28
16. Brighton & Hove Albion 26
17. Newcastle 25
18. Fulham 22
19. West Bromwich Albion 14
20. Sheffield United 11
Burnley- As Burnley currently sit 6 points out of the final relegation spot, I felt it necessary to include them in the relegation discussion. The Clarets have been playing better as of late, claiming 9 points from their last 7 matches (2(W) 2(L) 3(T)) so they are almost outside the battle, but a bad weekend or two and they could find themselves fighting for survival. Burnley's remaining schedule has quite a few tough matches (Liverpool, West Ham, Leicester, Man United, Spurs, Arsenal and Everton) but they also get to play Newcastle, Fulham and Sheffield United. I have a feeling the Clarets will be a part of the relegation discussion for the remainder of the season.
Brighton & Hove Albion- It doesn't seem like a relegation battle unless Brighton are part of the discussion, as the Gulls have been relegation battle regulars since their EPL arrival in 2017. In 2018 the Gulls finished 15th and in 2019 they were the last club to survive relegation, finishing 17th. Last year the club hovered around relegation before finishing 15th. Here they are again, on the edge of the relegation battle, hoping to survive for another year in the EPL. The club has had a good run of form since the New year, claiming 11 points from their last 9 matches (3 (W) 2 (L) and 4 (T)). Their remaining schedule does have games against the top 4 current clubs (United, City, West Ham and Leicester) but they also play fellow relegation battlers West Brom, Sheffield and Newcastle. Brighton have been playing well, and I don't expect them to finish in the bottom 3, but you never know with the Gulls.
Newcastle United- It always amazes me how Newcastle just cannot seem to avoid a good relegation battle every few years. The Toons just cannot build on success and grow into a place among the top clubs, where they honestly should be. Newcastle have claimed only 3 points in 2021, going 1-9-0 in their last 10. That form, and Fulham's current run of good play, should have the Toon Army deeply concerned. Newcastle does have one of the easier remaining schedules, and they get a chance to play all 5 of the other relegation battlers in their last 11 matches. A season ending match against Fulham on May 23 looks particularly intriguing. I have a feeling Newcastle will be a part of this relegation watch through the end of the season, I just don't see enough talent on their roster or in their manager to avoid being in this battle for the duration.
Fulham- The Cottagers look to avoid being a one up and back down team for the second straight time following promotion, and truthfully the club should be nowhere near the bottom three given their recent form. They seem to have an innate ability to pull a draw out of what should be a sure win, leaving them part of the battle, and currently claiming the dreaded 18th position. Since the new year the club has claimed 11 points out of their last 10 matches (going 2-3-5 over that timeyes, 5 draws). If Fulham can turn draws into wins then they should move out of the relegation zone quite soon, but by this point in the season a team is what it is, and I have a feeling more anguishing draws are forthcoming. The schedule still has some tough matches (Man City, United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Spurs and Arsenal) but they also get matches with Palace, Burnley and Newcastle. Hopefully the disappointment of too many draws does not lead Fulham back to relegation.
West Bromwich Albion- Last year's promotion seems like a distant memory, as West Brom finds itself 11 points behind 17th place Newcastle with 11 matches remaining. Although the club has played better as of late, it has been draws that were the improvement and not the necessary 3 point days. I am afraid it will be a one up and back down season for the Baggies, as they don't look like a club with enough tools to get in a battle for safety.
Sheffield United- Remember last season when the Blades fought all year for a place in Europe? Remember how proud we were of the newly promoted club for finishing 9th? Well, that is all but a distant memory as Sheffield United now sit on 11 points after 25 matches. Averaging less than a half a point per match is a sure way to find yourself in the Championship next year. There have been moments when you thought the club was going to turn it around, but those moments have been too few and far between, and with 13 matches remaining the Blades are already making Championship plans for next season.
Key Relegation Matches for this upcoming weekend:
Saturday
West Brom v. Brighton and Hove Albion (The Hawthorns, 9am CST, NBCSN)- If West Brom are to somehow make their relegation battle a real fight, then it better start this weekend, as the club will host Brighton and Hove Albion in a six point relegation battle. A loss would all but wrap it up for the Baggies while Brighton will desperately want to claim the full 3 points. The teams drew 1-1 at the Amex in October, a result that would not please either team this go around. Should be a good watch this weekend.
Newcastle v. Wolves (St. James' Park, 2 pm, Peacock)- Newcastle need to start collecting points in a bad way, and that won't be easy this weekend as the Toons welcome Wolverhampton to St. James' Park. The Wolves have gone 3-0-1 in their last 4 matches, so any points will be a good day for Newcastle. I look for a typical defensive effort from Steve Bruce's club, looking to steal a win off a counter attack. The clubs drew 1-1 at the Molineux in October, a result I am sure Newcastle would gladly take in this fixture.
Sunday
Crystal Palace v. Fulham (Selhurst Park, 6am, Peacock)- Fulham will make the short trip to South London to play Crystal Palace in the early Sunday game. Palace have claimed the last 3 matches against their London neighbors, so Fulham will want to end that streak, which includes a 2-1 Palace win at Craven Cottage back in October. Palace are 3-2 in their last 5, and sit just on the outside of the relegation battle themselves, so Palace will be looking to extend their point span over the Cottagers, who will travel to Selhurst Park desperate for 3 points themselves.
Tottenham Hotspur v. Burnley (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, 8am, NBCSN). The Spurs welcome Burnley to north London as both teams will be in desperate search of points. Tottenham Hotspur have won five of their six home Premier League matches against Burnley, scoring 16 goals and conceding just three in that time. Burnley are looking for their first top-flight away win against Spurs since October 1974. Spurs will be looking for a repeat of their first match this season against Burnley , when they claimed a 1-0 win at Turf Moor back in October. Tottenham have gone just 1-4 in their last five, so they will be looking to rebound on Sunday against the Clarets, who have managed a 1-1-3 record in their last 5.
Sheffield United v. Liverpool (Brammall Lane, 1:15 pm, Peacock). The Blades will host the reigning league champions on Sunday, as Liverpool will be hoping to change their recent form against a down and out Sheffield club. The Blades have lost 20 of their 25 Premier League matches this season (W3 D2) the fewest amount of matches a team has taken to reach 20 defeats in a single campaign in English top-flight history. Liverpool have won their last four Premier League matches against Sheff Utd, though those wins have been spread over the 2006/07, 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons. As bad as Sheffield United have been, both clubs come into this match with equal 1-4 records in their last 5 matches.
Let's get this relegation battle going and enjoy the weekend!
This year's race really comes down to one teamFulham. If Fulham continue to play at their current pace then the race will be really interesting. If Fulham drop off then the relegation battle could be over in short order. Sheffield United and West Brom appear to be all but done, leaving the attention on the one remaining relegation spot, currently held by Fulham. As a Fulham supporter myself, I am cheering for their safety, but even more so, as a fan of a great relegation battle, I want them to make this an exciting finish for the bottom tier of the table.
Current Standings:
Club Points (All have played 25 matches)
15. Burnley 28
16. Brighton & Hove Albion 26
17. Newcastle 25
18. Fulham 22
19. West Bromwich Albion 14
20. Sheffield United 11
Burnley- As Burnley currently sit 6 points out of the final relegation spot, I felt it necessary to include them in the relegation discussion. The Clarets have been playing better as of late, claiming 9 points from their last 7 matches (2(W) 2(L) 3(T)) so they are almost outside the battle, but a bad weekend or two and they could find themselves fighting for survival. Burnley's remaining schedule has quite a few tough matches (Liverpool, West Ham, Leicester, Man United, Spurs, Arsenal and Everton) but they also get to play Newcastle, Fulham and Sheffield United. I have a feeling the Clarets will be a part of the relegation discussion for the remainder of the season.
Brighton & Hove Albion- It doesn't seem like a relegation battle unless Brighton are part of the discussion, as the Gulls have been relegation battle regulars since their EPL arrival in 2017. In 2018 the Gulls finished 15th and in 2019 they were the last club to survive relegation, finishing 17th. Last year the club hovered around relegation before finishing 15th. Here they are again, on the edge of the relegation battle, hoping to survive for another year in the EPL. The club has had a good run of form since the New year, claiming 11 points from their last 9 matches (3 (W) 2 (L) and 4 (T)). Their remaining schedule does have games against the top 4 current clubs (United, City, West Ham and Leicester) but they also play fellow relegation battlers West Brom, Sheffield and Newcastle. Brighton have been playing well, and I don't expect them to finish in the bottom 3, but you never know with the Gulls.
Newcastle United- It always amazes me how Newcastle just cannot seem to avoid a good relegation battle every few years. The Toons just cannot build on success and grow into a place among the top clubs, where they honestly should be. Newcastle have claimed only 3 points in 2021, going 1-9-0 in their last 10. That form, and Fulham's current run of good play, should have the Toon Army deeply concerned. Newcastle does have one of the easier remaining schedules, and they get a chance to play all 5 of the other relegation battlers in their last 11 matches. A season ending match against Fulham on May 23 looks particularly intriguing. I have a feeling Newcastle will be a part of this relegation watch through the end of the season, I just don't see enough talent on their roster or in their manager to avoid being in this battle for the duration.
Fulham- The Cottagers look to avoid being a one up and back down team for the second straight time following promotion, and truthfully the club should be nowhere near the bottom three given their recent form. They seem to have an innate ability to pull a draw out of what should be a sure win, leaving them part of the battle, and currently claiming the dreaded 18th position. Since the new year the club has claimed 11 points out of their last 10 matches (going 2-3-5 over that timeyes, 5 draws). If Fulham can turn draws into wins then they should move out of the relegation zone quite soon, but by this point in the season a team is what it is, and I have a feeling more anguishing draws are forthcoming. The schedule still has some tough matches (Man City, United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Spurs and Arsenal) but they also get matches with Palace, Burnley and Newcastle. Hopefully the disappointment of too many draws does not lead Fulham back to relegation.
West Bromwich Albion- Last year's promotion seems like a distant memory, as West Brom finds itself 11 points behind 17th place Newcastle with 11 matches remaining. Although the club has played better as of late, it has been draws that were the improvement and not the necessary 3 point days. I am afraid it will be a one up and back down season for the Baggies, as they don't look like a club with enough tools to get in a battle for safety.
Sheffield United- Remember last season when the Blades fought all year for a place in Europe? Remember how proud we were of the newly promoted club for finishing 9th? Well, that is all but a distant memory as Sheffield United now sit on 11 points after 25 matches. Averaging less than a half a point per match is a sure way to find yourself in the Championship next year. There have been moments when you thought the club was going to turn it around, but those moments have been too few and far between, and with 13 matches remaining the Blades are already making Championship plans for next season.
Key Relegation Matches for this upcoming weekend:
Saturday
West Brom v. Brighton and Hove Albion (The Hawthorns, 9am CST, NBCSN)- If West Brom are to somehow make their relegation battle a real fight, then it better start this weekend, as the club will host Brighton and Hove Albion in a six point relegation battle. A loss would all but wrap it up for the Baggies while Brighton will desperately want to claim the full 3 points. The teams drew 1-1 at the Amex in October, a result that would not please either team this go around. Should be a good watch this weekend.
Newcastle v. Wolves (St. James' Park, 2 pm, Peacock)- Newcastle need to start collecting points in a bad way, and that won't be easy this weekend as the Toons welcome Wolverhampton to St. James' Park. The Wolves have gone 3-0-1 in their last 4 matches, so any points will be a good day for Newcastle. I look for a typical defensive effort from Steve Bruce's club, looking to steal a win off a counter attack. The clubs drew 1-1 at the Molineux in October, a result I am sure Newcastle would gladly take in this fixture.
Sunday
Crystal Palace v. Fulham (Selhurst Park, 6am, Peacock)- Fulham will make the short trip to South London to play Crystal Palace in the early Sunday game. Palace have claimed the last 3 matches against their London neighbors, so Fulham will want to end that streak, which includes a 2-1 Palace win at Craven Cottage back in October. Palace are 3-2 in their last 5, and sit just on the outside of the relegation battle themselves, so Palace will be looking to extend their point span over the Cottagers, who will travel to Selhurst Park desperate for 3 points themselves.
Tottenham Hotspur v. Burnley (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, 8am, NBCSN). The Spurs welcome Burnley to north London as both teams will be in desperate search of points. Tottenham Hotspur have won five of their six home Premier League matches against Burnley, scoring 16 goals and conceding just three in that time. Burnley are looking for their first top-flight away win against Spurs since October 1974. Spurs will be looking for a repeat of their first match this season against Burnley , when they claimed a 1-0 win at Turf Moor back in October. Tottenham have gone just 1-4 in their last five, so they will be looking to rebound on Sunday against the Clarets, who have managed a 1-1-3 record in their last 5.
Sheffield United v. Liverpool (Brammall Lane, 1:15 pm, Peacock). The Blades will host the reigning league champions on Sunday, as Liverpool will be hoping to change their recent form against a down and out Sheffield club. The Blades have lost 20 of their 25 Premier League matches this season (W3 D2) the fewest amount of matches a team has taken to reach 20 defeats in a single campaign in English top-flight history. Liverpool have won their last four Premier League matches against Sheff Utd, though those wins have been spread over the 2006/07, 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons. As bad as Sheffield United have been, both clubs come into this match with equal 1-4 records in their last 5 matches.
Let's get this relegation battle going and enjoy the weekend!
In talking with sources connected to Meyer's family on Sunday, there was laughter about the persistence of the Texas pursuit.
