Survival Saturday: With six of the bottom seven in action at 3pm, we analyse the relegation battle

As Chelsea scraped by with a precious point at Anfield late last month, followed by their comprehensive dismantling of Arsenal four days later, it became evermore clear that the fight for the title had reached its conclusion. As such, with just 13 games of the season left and only the exact make-up of the continental places to be decided, attention now turns to another, more financially and emotionally-draining scrap taking place further down the league.

This year’s relegation fight promises to be one of the most open and unpredictable tussles in the history of the Premier League, with just five points currently separating the bottom six. While Swansea and champions Leicester take on Chelsea and Liverpool respectively this weekend, with the prospect of a much-needed win looking bleak, their fellow relegation contenders have the chance to add weight to their survival campaigns.

In what has been described as a ‘final’ by Aitor Karanka, Crystal Palace welcome fellow strugglers Middlesbrough to Selhurst Park with everything up for grabs. For the Eagles, Sam Allardyce’s mid-season appointment has failed to stop the rot. ‘Big Sam’ has become the go-to person when a club is down on its luck but after eight league games into his tenure, and just one victory under his belt, the upturn in results that supporters would have hoped for has not materialised.

open image in gallery

Nonetheless, their two-week break may not have come at a better time. After their humbling at home to Sunderland, followed by defeat at Stoke, the Eagles have had time to recuperate. Palace certainly possess the quality to overturn their fortunes, with the likes of Christian Benteke, Yohan Cabaye, Andros Townsend among their ranks. Unity and form is lacking, yes, but a run of positive results could be the spark needed to breathe life back into their campaign. Still, away trips to Chelsea, City and United on the final day of the season will hardly fill the fans with much faith.

As for their opponents, Middlesbrough head into this weekend on the back of a thrilling but hard-fought 3-2 victory over Oxford United in the FA Cup. Unlike the Foxes, who took solace from their miserable defeat at the Den, Boro’s fans, players and management are refusing to subscribe to the notion of the cup being a distraction to their survival prospects. Perhaps more reassuringly, the club’s record against their fellow league strugglers bodes well.

open image in gallery

Having taken points off Swansea, Hull, Leicester, Sunderland this season already, Middlesbrough have no reason to doubt themselves as they prepare for four important away games, Saturday’s included, against their relegation rivals.

For Hull, their chances of survival no longer seem as quixotic under new manager Marco Silva. Despite suffering defeat by Arsenal two weeks ago, a recent revival in form has seen the Tigers transform the KCOM Stadium into something of a fortress. Hull have won all four of their home games under Silva, including an impressive 2-0 victory over Liverpool. And with three points on offer against Burnley this Saturday - a side famed for their home record but unconvincing away form - Silva’s men have the chance to haul themselves out of the bottom there.

open image in gallery

Admittedly, their own away record could still hinder them - they’ve yet to win a game on the road since August - but with players clearly responding to Silva’s diligent approach, things are starting to look up for the side.

In contrast, Sunderland remain caught in the throes of a crippling paralysis. Their 4-0 humbling by Southampton two weeks ago brought David Moyes’ team back to square one after their rout of Palace suggested a corner had been turned. The decision to fly out to New York was met with disdain from fans, and now the basement boys must overcome an imposing Everton side that have won five of their last eight games. With the Stadium of Light engulfed in malaise, Sunderland are staring down the barrel of a gun.

The Black Cats have avoided relegation from similar circumstances before but this year feels like one attempt too far. Forward Jermain Defore offers cause for hope, with 14 league goals to his name this season, but with away games against City, United, Arsenal and Chelsea to come, Sunderland look all-but set for the drop.

open image in gallery

Much like Silva at Hull, Paul Clement’s arrival at the Liberty Stadium has trigged a remarkable turnaround that has steered the Swans clear of the relegation zone. After four wins in six league games, Swansea look revitalised and survival now appears a genuine likelihood. As the most in-form team of the bottom six, and with players such as Gylfi Sigurdsson and Alfie Mawson finding their rhythm, the Swans’ trip to Chelsea this weekend need not land the confidence-crushing, morale-sapping blow that it would have done prior to their resurgence.

Away trips to Hull, Bournemouth and Sunderland will likely determine their Premier League status and while Stamford Bridge poses a “big task” for the Welsh outfit, as Clement rightly admits, there’s no doubt his side are moving in the right direction - namely upwards.

open image in gallery

Underpinning the desperate tussle for survival at the bottom of the table is the remarkable story of the Premier League’s fallen history-makers. Astonishing, unexpected and perplexing, Leicester’s downturn from champions of England to prime relegation contenders simply adds to the spectacle unfolding at the King Power Stadium. The Foxes' decline has been painful to watch: goalless and winless in the league this calendar year - and now managerless. Last season’s sense of desire and togetherness appears to have faded, culminating in Claudio Ranieri's painful dismissal following reports of backroom grumblings. Players such as Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy - so intrinsic to their title-winning season - have struggled to recreate last year’s form and as the club prepare to take on Liverpool on Monday, there’s an alarming sense of 'what next?' for the club.

Of course, Vardy’s vital away goal at Sevilla on Wednesday night keeps Leicester's European dreams alive and, by extension, offers a crucial lifeline in their Premier League struggles. But in light of Thursday's shock announcement, it's unclear as to how the Foxes and their fans now react. As proven two seasons ago, Leicester have lifted themselves out of deeper mires than this before but the fall-out from Ranieri's departure could do more harm than good. When push comes to shove, it could be their European run which comes to determine the outcome of their fate in England. Only time will tell - but the clocks are certainly running against the Foxes.

open image in gallery

But all is not lost. Vardy’s vital away goal at Sevilla on Wednesday night keeps Leicester's European dreams alive and, by extension, offers a crucial lifeline in their Premier League struggles. And as proven two seasons ago, the Foxes have lifted themselves out of deeper mires than this before. When push comes to shove, it could be their European run which comes to determine the outcome of their fate in England. Only time will tell - but the clocks are certainly running against the Foxes.