The Premier League relegation battle is heating up, with four clubs intensely competing to escape the final relegation spot.
Teams like Wolves and Burnley still have a chance to make a miraculous escape, but it seems likely that they will fall into the Championship, potentially alongside one of Tottenham, West Ham, Nottingham Forest, and Leeds.
For a Spurs side that claimed the Europa League title last season, reached this season’s Champions League knockout stage, and has been outside the top flight for just one season since 1950, relegation would be an astounding shock. Their recent 3-0 loss to Forest and Igor Tudor’s troubled tenure have made relegation a genuine threat.
Currently sitting 17th in the standings, Spurs are just one point above rivals West Ham in 18th, while Nottingham Forest and Leeds have slightly better margins. With seven matches remaining for each team, expect plenty of drama ahead.
Here’s a look at the critical relegation race.
Leeds United
Position: 15th | Played: 31 | Points: 33 | GD: -11
Remaining Fixtures:
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13 April – Manchester United (A)
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25 April – Bournemouth (A)
Where to Gain Points? Leeds have a favorable fixture list and can secure their Premier League status with three wins—or possibly two—targeting home games against Wolves and Burnley for crucial points, as well as confrontations with relegation rivals Tottenham and West Ham.
Challenging Matches? Their first outing post-international break against Manchester United will be their toughest, and while any points snagged would be impressive, matches against Bournemouth and Brighton could present difficulties.
Final Stages? Leeds aim to secure their safety before facing West Ham on the last day, which could turn into a nail-biting survival showdown, especially with tough leads against Brighton and Spurs before that.
Leeds have fought hard this season (PA)
Nottingham Forest
Position: 16th | Played: 31 | Points: 32 | GD: -12
Remaining Fixtures:
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12 April – Aston Villa (H)
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24 April – Sunderland (A)
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17 May – Manchester United (A)
Where to Gain Points? Forest’s impressive win against Tottenham could be pivotal, alongside a home match against Burnley, which offers a key opportunity for more points. They may need at least one more victory, potentially from a final day match against Bournemouth.
Challenging Matches? Forest still faces the daunting task of contending with three top-six teams, with matches to United and Chelsea on the horizon, and a midweek fixture against Villa right after a Europa League clash.
Final Stages? Upcoming games include a strong away fixture at Old Trafford and a closing match at home against Bournemouth, which could serve as a critical chance for them to secure safety if needed.
Nottingham Forest secured a crucial win over Spurs (AP)
Tottenham Hotspur
Position: 17th | Played: 31 | Points: 30 | GD: -10
Remaining Fixtures:
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12 April – Sunderland (A)
Where to Gain Points? Currently, Spurs are struggling to earn points, with a 14-match winless streak and their last victory dating to December. They may have a shot against Wolves late in April and a critical showdown against Leeds is approaching.
Challenging Matches? Given their current form, almost every upcoming match appears daunting, especially away fixtures at rivals Chelsea and Aston Villa, not to mention encounters with strong top-half teams.
Final Stages? Hosting Leeds looms as a must-win scenario; failure to secure points could see them sink deeper into the relegation zone before finishing against Everton and Chelsea.
Tottenham’s loss to Nottingham Forest was markedly damaging (AFP/Getty)
West Ham United
Position: 18th | Played: 31 | Points: 29 | GD: -21
Remaining Fixtures:
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20 April – Crystal Palace (A)
Where to Gain Points? West Ham’s notable form lately has rejuvenated their survival hopes. A home game against Wolves and away match against struggling Crystal Palace provide valuable opportunities for essential points, alongside a pivotal final match against Leeds.
Challenging Matches? A run of fixtures against teams like Everton, Arsenal, and Brentford will pose challenges. If they can survive these tough encounters, their later matches might be more favorable.
Final Stages? If West Ham navigates through their difficult stretch successfully, matches against Newcastle and their final showdown versus Leeds could secure their safety, albeit with significant consequences for both sides.
West Ham’s resurgence this season gives them a fighting chance (Getty Images)
Conclusion
The final outcomes remain unpredictable, making it hard to forecast with certainty.
Most likely, it will culminate on the last matchday, where West Ham faces Leeds, Spurs compete against Everton, and Nottingham Forest meets Bournemouth. Leeds has the most beneficial schedule, and while their goal count has decreased, they should still manage to secure survival.
Forest could be challenged by their Europa League commitments and will likely need to achieve their survival before the season closes. Meanwhile, West Ham faces a critical couple of matches post-international break that could define their journey.
On the other hand, Spurs are struggling and it seems imminent that they will part ways with Igor Tudor. A change in management might offer a lift, but as of now, we predict Tottenham could face relegation next season. The dynamics could shift as the matches unfold.