The Premier League relegation battle has become increasingly intense as teams reach the halfway mark of the season. Matchweek 18 highlighted the struggles at the bottom of the table, where three teams remain in the relegation zone. With a busy December schedule ahead, there is opportunity for change as teams fight to secure their place in the league.
Current Relegation Zone Standings
- Wolves (20th, 2 points) – Wolves continue to face significant challenges. Their latest loss to Liverpool, with a score of 2-1, marked their 11th consecutive defeat. They remain 16 points from safety and have a tough schedule ahead, including matches against Manchester United and West Ham.
- Burnley (19th, 12 points) – Burnley managed a goalless draw against Everton but extended their winless streak to nine games. They have not hit the target in their last match despite taking 16 shots. They now sit six points from safety.
- West Ham (18th, 13 points) – West Ham’s struggles continued with a 1-0 defeat to Fulham, marking a lack of finishing ability. Their attack has been inconsistent, and they must improve to avoid being sucked deeper into the relegation battle.
Upcoming Matches
- Wolves: Manchester United (A) on December 30, West Ham (H) on January 3, Everton (A) on January 7.
- Burnley: Newcastle (H) on December 30, Brighton (A) on January 3, Manchester United (H) on January 7.
- West Ham: Brighton (H) on December 30, Wolves (A) on January 3, Nottingham Forest (H) on January 6.
Performance Analysis
Wolves have struggled both defensively and offensively. They have recorded only two points from 18 matches and have the worst scoring record in the league. Their latest match showed a slight improvement in performance, highlighted by 165 passes completed in the second half.
Burnley faced Everton and failed to register a shot on target, continuing their trend of poor offensive output. They have conceded the highest expected goals in the league, indicating defensive vulnerabilities that must be addressed fast.
West Ham’s offensive inefficiency was evident as they struggled to create quality chances. Their average expected goals (xG) have fallen drastically outside of their wins, emphasizing the need for better performance from their attacking players.
Conclusion
The relegation battle in the Premier League is shaping up to be a nail-biter as the season approaches its critical juncture. Teams like Wolves, Burnley, and West Ham must find a way to turn the tide if they wish to secure their league status beyond the current season. With intense fixtures on the horizon, this struggle is far from over.
