MY ACCOUNT
This season looks set for the greatest Premier League relegation dogfight that we have seen for many years.
The bottom nine clubs are only separated by seven points, with the majority having nine matches left to play.
Ahead of this weekend’s top-flight fixtures, we take a look at the key games to come in the battle against the drop.
Leicester vs Bournemouth (April 8)
The big match this weekend features two of the current bottom three, as 19th-placed Leicester host a Bournemouth side in 18th.
Caretaker manager Adam Sadler will be in charge of the Foxes, who recently parted ways with Brendan Rodgers. The East Midlanders come into this match without a win from their last seven league games.
The visitors have been picking up points, winning three of their last seven. This includes a February win over Wolves, which was their first away victory since September.
Southampton vs Bournemouth (April 27)
The Cherries have every chance of avoiding the drop, with six games to come against other teams that are also fighting against relegation.
One of them is Southampton, in what promises to be a crucial South Coast derby match. The hosts are bottom of the Premier League, four points from safety ahead of Matchday 30.
This is one of three games that the Saints have left against teams currently in the bottom half. They may have to win them all to stand a chance of survival.
Nottingham Forest vs Southampton (May 8)
Another of Southampton’s more winnable games comes in May, when they travel to Nottingham Forest.
Only goal difference is keeping Forest out of the relegation zone, with Steve Cooper’s side having not won any of their last eight games.
Of all the teams fighting the drop, the Reds arguably have the toughest remaining fixtures. Six of their nine games will come against teams in the top half.
Everton vs Bournemouth (May 28)
Everton acted decisively back in January, when they sacked Frank Lampard and entrusted Sean Dyche to guide them away from the bottom three.
The Toffees have only lost three of their nine games since the former Burnley boss took charge. If they can continue that sort of form in the coming weeks, then they might be safe before this fixture.
This game is one of three matches on the final day between teams that are currently in danger of relegation.
Leicester vs West Ham (May 28)
Another clash that promises final day fireworks is Leicester’s match with a West Ham side that are only outside the drop zone thanks to goal difference.
The Hammers were thrashed 5-1 at home by Newcastle in midweek. That defeat ended a five-match unbeaten run in home Premier League fixtures.
In the Hammers’ favour, they are the only team in the bottom nine to hold a game in hand. What might count against them is that they remain in the Europa Conference League and could well progress further.
