The race to avoid relegation in the Premier League is set for a thrilling climax. Southampton's fate has been sealed, but four teams remain on the brink.
Nottingham Forest (16th, 34pts) has shown promise after winning promotion last season. However, their lack of passes and low pass completion rate may pose challenges.
Everton (17th, 32pts) faces a crisis, having suffered a heavy defeat against Manchester City. Their remaining fixtures against Wolves and Bournemouth will be crucial.
Leeds United (18th, 31pts) showcased resilience with a draw against Newcastle, but their away form needs improvement. Matches against West Ham and Tottenham await them.
Leicester City (19th, 30pts) has struggled defensively, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last 20 matches. They must address their defensive vulnerabilities to avoid relegation.
Southampton (20th, 24pts) has endured a winless streak, leading to their inevitable relegation. Their lack of clean sheets has been a contributing factor to their downfall.
With the points required for safety ranging from 37 to 32, the battle for survival remains intense. The upcoming fixtures will determine the fate of these teams.
Analysis suggests that Leicester City is the most likely to be relegated among the four battling teams. Their recent defeat against Liverpool has deepened their relegation concerns. A loss for Leicester combined with an Everton win in their upcoming match against Wolves could seal their fate.
Leicester City, despite possessing attacking talent like James Maddison, has struggled defensively, conceding goals consistently. The absence of clean sheets in their last 20 matches has been a major downfall for them. Manager Brendan Rodgers has been replaced by Dean Smith until the end of the season, but turning their fortunes around will be a tough task.
Nottingham Forest, on the other hand, has shown resilience and sits above the relegation zone with 34 points. Their recent form, including two wins and a draw in the last four games, makes them the best-placed team among the bottom five. However, their lack of passing and low pass completion rate could hinder their chances of securing safety.
Everton finds themselves in a precarious situation, just one point ahead of Leeds and the bottom three. Their goal difference has taken a hit after a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City. With matches against Wolves and Bournemouth, both of whom are also battling for survival, Everton must find a way to secure crucial points.
Leeds United's rollercoaster season saw manager Jesse Marsch being sacked and replaced by Sam Allardyce. The team has struggled with consistency and has won only twice away from home. Their upcoming matches against West Ham and Tottenham will be decisive in their fight for survival.
Southampton's relegation has already been confirmed after a dismal run of 11 winless matches, including eight defeats. Despite changing managers multiple times throughout the season, they couldn't turn their fortunes around. Their lack of clean sheets has been a significant contributing factor to their downfall.
