It was only a month ago that the Premier League relegation battle appeared a forgone conclusion, with only one place in the bottom three undecided. Leicester and QPR’s abysmal form made it look like nothing short of a miracle would keep them up.
With just five weeks remaining this season, though, it appears to be potentially any three teams out of six: Burnley, QPR, Leicester, Hull, Sunderland and Aston Villa. But who will beat the drop? Here are our Premier League relegation predictions.
Aston Villa
Many believe Aston Villa are already safe, but a couple more points are probably needed to guarantee their safety this season. After beating Liverpool in last weekend’s FA cup semi-final, Tim Sherwood’s side will end the season full of confidence, and despite some tough fixtures away at champions Manchester City and this season’s surprise package Southampton, they should have enough to remain clear of danger.
Prediction: 15th
Sunderland
After beating Newcastle in the Tyne-Wear derby only three weeks ago, it seemed the Black Cats had turned a corner. However, only a week later they crashed to yet another embarrassing home defeat to Alan Pardew’s Crystal Palace – a performance which saw the Stadium of Light emptying in its thousands with a third of the game to go. When looking at Sunderland’s remaining fixtures it’s hard to see where they will get the points they need to remain above the drop zone. They face tough trips to Everton, Arsenal and Chelsea. Sunderland’s fate may be decided by others around them continuing to drop points combined with any points they manage to pick up.
Prediction: 18th – RELEGATED
Hull City
At one stage this season it looked like Hull were going to pull away from the bottom and retain their top flight status. This, however, never materialised and they are now without a win since February 21st. Like Sunderland, Steve Bruce’s side will receive no encouragement when looking at the fixture list. Hull still have to face Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United.
Prediction: 20th – RELEGATED
Leicester City
A month ago following a string of negative performances and results, the Foxes appeared to be already down. At this time, Leicester also had the worst home record in the Premier League, so with six of their last nine games at home, surely only a miracle would keep them up. Looking at the current table, though, it would appear that a miracle is possible. Only goal difference is keeping Nigel Pearson’s men in the relegation zone. Staying up has become all the more likely after picking up three consecutive wins over West Ham, West Brom and Swansea. Unlike their rivals, City appear to have the games to pick up the points needed. Due to this, combined with the confidence they will have picked up in recent weeks, Leicester fans have lots to be optimistic about.
Prediction: 16th
QPR
So on to QPR, another of the sides that only a month ago looked to be down. Despite currently only being two points from safety, QPR will have to start putting in much more consistent performances if they are to remain in the division. They still have tough trips to Anfield and the Etihad this season, but that’s not where their fate is likely to be decided. Games against West Ham, Newcastle and relegation rivals Leicester on the final afternoon of the season are all games QPR must pick up points in if they are to stay up.
Prediction: 17th
Burnley
Finally it’s Burnley, the current occupiers of the Premier League’s bottom slot. For them to not be already relegated will be a surprise to many experts, as at the start of the season every journalist, pundit and expert around had Burnley as their favourites to go down. But up until recent weeks it seemed highly likely Burnley would beat the drop. After tough run of games, however, Burnley now looks as though Championship football will be back at Turf Moor next season. This weekend they face relegation rivals Leicester, a game many believe Burnley have to win if they are to remain in the division, but for Leicester a point would probably be considered a good result on the back of their recent results.
Prediction: 19th – RELEGATED
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