Premier League Relegation Battle: Teams Struggling to Beat the Drop

Premier League Relegation Battle: Teams Struggling to Beat the Drop

The Premier League relegation battle is heating up as teams strive to reach the magic 40-point mark to secure their safety for another season. However, the traditional benchmark of 40 points may no longer be necessary, as clubs at the top of the table continue to stockpile the best players, resulting in higher points tallies. Last season, Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest, and Everton managed to avoid relegation without reaching 40 points, and it is possible that several clubs could achieve the same feat this season.

In the 2004-05 season, West Brom set a record by staying up with just 34 points, the fewest earned by a side that has avoided relegation. This record could be challenged this season.

Currently, six teams are battling to beat the drop: Sheffield United, Burnley, Luton, Nottingham Forest, Brentford, and Everton. However, none of these teams are inspiring much confidence. Brentford's recent defeat at the hands of West Ham has left them nervously looking over their shoulder, as they sit just five points above the relegation zone. Everton, who had their points deduction reduced from 10 to six, are also in a precarious position. Nottingham Forest, facing the possibility of a points deduction, are currently 17th, one point behind Everton and Brentford.

The three promoted teams, Burnley, Sheffield United, and Luton, find themselves in the relegation spots. Their form has been poor, and they may even swap places with the teams they replaced last season: Leicester, Leeds, and Southampton.

Sheffield United and Burnley, in particular, seem destined for relegation. Both teams have struggled throughout the season, with only 13 points from 26 games. The new-manager bounce has failed to have the desired effect for Sheffield United, while Burnley's loyalty to Vincent Kompany's style of play has not translated into success in the Premier League.

The form guide suggests that Luton, Everton, Brentford, and Nottingham Forest deserve to be in a relegation scrap. None of these teams have won in their past few matches, and their overall performance has been lackluster.

With only 12 games remaining, the relegation battle is entering its crucial stage. Brentford and Everton, assuming the latter's potential points penalty is not severe, are currently on track to secure their Premier League place based on their points-per-game record. Forest's current points-per-game record suggests that 35 points should be enough to avoid relegation. However, with the bottom six teams all struggling for form, it wouldn't be surprising if West Brom's record of the lowest points haul for avoiding relegation is broken this season.