Premier League relegation battle: a guide to the dogfight
West Ham United
Position: 16
Points: 31
Reasons to be hopeful
The players showed impressive resolve to recover from the shock of losing their opening two games of Project Restart, beating Chelsea and earning a point at Newcastle United, before dominating Burnley without reward.
Key players are leading by example, with Michail Antonio admirably filling the void created by the lack of a trusted specialist striker and Declan Rice providing a typically spirited back-up behind. Where they set the tone, others have followed.
Reasons to be fearful
Goalscoring remains an issue. For all Antonio's effort, his strong point is not finishing opportunities and West Ham got only five of their 26 shots on target in the defeat by Burnley, converting none.
Perhaps unfortunate, then, that their run-in features matches against sides all of whom promise to be similarly motivated, with a trip to Norwich on Saturday and an Old Trafford visit sandwiched between home games against relegation rivals Watford and Aston Villa. The battle facing David Moyes's side looks likely to go to the wire.
Fixtures
July 11: Norwich City (A)
July 17: Watford (H)
July 22: Manchester United (A)
July 26: Aston Villa (H)
Verdict - Survive
Watford
Position: 17
Points: 31
Reasons to be hopeful
Tuesday’s victory over Norwich City, courtesy of Danny Welbeck’s spectacular overhead kick, could prove to be the most significant result of their season. It was their first victory since beating Liverpool in February and it gave Nigel Pearson’s side a welcome advantage over Bournemouth and Aston Villa.
Their next two fixtures are winnable, with Newcastle United at home before they travel to West Ham United. If they impress in those, Watford will almost certainly have secured their safety. It is all in their hands and, in Welbeck, they have a player who could make the difference in those tight matches.
Reasons to be fearful
After those Newcastle and West Ham games, Watford must face both Manchester City and Arsenal. Their record against City is appalling (they have lost their last two meetings by an aggregate score of 14-0) and Arsenal will almost certainly have a European place to fight for on the final day.
Welbeck aside, the form of Watford’s attacking players is a concern. Troy Deeney has struggled since the restart, failing to score. The same applies to Ismaila Sarr, who was so devastating in that 3-0 win over Liverpool before lockdown. If they can rediscover their form, Watford should have enough.
Fixtures
July 11: Newcastle (H)
July 17: West Ham (A)
July 21: Man City (H)
July 26: Arsenal (A)
Verdict - Survive
Bournemouth
Position: 18
Points: 28
Reasons to be hopeful
Thursday’s draw against Tottenham Hotspur was a significant step forward in terms of performance and Eddie Howe’s side were, on balance, the more likely to win the game. They showed a fight that has been lacking since the restart and there was an aggression to their play which will be needed in the final few weeks.
Up front, Joshua King and Callum Wilson looked more threatening. It was a reminder of the attacking quality at Howe’s disposal, with Junior Stanislas also looking sharp. At the back, young Lloyd Kelly is starting to find his feet after an injury-hit season.
Reasons to be fearful
Bournemouth are running out of matches and the fixture list is worrying. Leicester City await on Sunday before a trip to face Manchester City next week. Southampton are playing well since the break, too, so there will be no easy points in the coming week.
For all their improvements against Tottenham on Thursday, Bournemouth are still without a win since February 1. Three points adrift with four games to go is a treacherous position and they must take their chances when they come in these final matches. Harry Wilson’s inability to convert a late opportunity against Tottenham could prove crucial.
Fixtures
July 12: Leicester (H)
July 15: Manchester City (A)
July 19: Southampton (H)
July 26: Everton (A)
Verdict - Relegated
Aston Villa
Position: 19
Points: 27
Reasons to be hopeful
Villa have failed to win since returning from lockdown but, perhaps surprisingly, still have lingering hopes of survival. The gap is only four points from safety, with four games left - but Palace on Sunday is surely 'must-win' territory. Their defence has certainly improved since Project Restart.
Reasons to be fearful
Villa haven't won a league game since January 21 and their performances have been dreadfully lacking in intensity. While the defence may have improved, their lack of goals is appalling, with an attacker failing to find the net since February. Everton away and Arsenal at home will not be easy, either.
Fixtures
July 12: Crystal Palace (H)
July 16: Everton (A)
July 21: Arsenal (H)
July 26: West Ham (A)
Verdict - Relegated
Norwich
Position: 20
Points: 21
Reasons to be hopeful
Norwich are heading inexorably for the Championship and their fate will be sealed if they lose to West Ham on Saturday. Relegation is usually seen as a doomsday scenario for many clubs, but Norwich are sensibly run and will not face any major financial upheaval in the Championship.
Reasons to be fearful
Norwich insist there will be no fire sale over the summer, yet there will certainly be interest for the likes of Max Aarons, Todd Cantwell, Emi Buendia and Ben Godfrey. Resisting offers will be a big test for highly regarded sporting director Stuart Webber.
Fixtures
July 11: West Ham (H)
July 14: Chelsea (A)
July 18: Burnley (H)
July 26: Man City (A)
