How will things look for next season in the Premier League? It’s all gotten very simple for the relegation picture as Sheffield United are going down and only one of three other teams will remain in the top flight.
The Championship has simplified itself as well, but let’s leave promotion for another post as longtime PL mainstays continue to jockey for a place back in the top flight (Welcome back, Leicester City!).
[ MORE: Premier League standings ]
As stated, Sheffield United are down, while Burnley are so close to the drop after a blowout home loss to Newcastle United. Luton Town and Nottingham Forest are in nervy territory, but Forest took advantage of a trip to already-relegated Blades and enjoy driver’s seat status.
Everton have overcome their points deductions to find safety, while Forest would love to get any of its points deduction back.
So what matches are left for the three teams currently closest to the drop, and how worried should each be?
Relegated
Sheffield United (20th place, 16 points)
Bad. And blamed by the boss.
Remaining fixtures: Everton (A), Tottenham (H)
Which clubs can be relegated from the Premier League?
Burnley (19th place, 24 points, two matches left)
It’s difficult to be the vibes team while also below the line, but Burnley have only lost once since early March and boast a 2W-5D-1L record which includes a surprising draw with Manchester United last time out. The loss to Newcastle coupled with Forest’s win have really dampened the vibes. Beating Tottenham is a tough, tough ask but Vincent Kompany needs it or else their Premier League status is done for at least a year.
Remaining fixtures: Tottenham (A), Forest (H)
Luton Town (18th place, 26 points, two matches left)
Rob Edwards’ Hatters fight, and they fight hard. You could say it’s difficult to be a Hatters’ hater. There are some points left on the board, for sure, but remember that the numbers say Luton need more than things appear given Forest’s plight being more about a points punishment than performance. The run-in is relatively favorable and the Hatters can feel alright about facing inconsistent West Ham and Fulham. They also likely need four more points than Forest given an 11-goal differential gap.
Remaining fixtures: West Ham (A), Fulham (H)
Hold the door
Nottingham Forest (17th place, 29 points, two matches left)
Yep, Forest are in the Hodor spot with two matches to play. Beating relegated Sheffield United was excellent and their 11-goal differential advantage makes the three-point lead over Luton more like four. Chelsea at City Ground could go either way and getting a win would be massive to avoid going to Burnley with safety unsealed in Week 38.
Remaining fixtures: Chelsea (H), Burnley (A)
