Premier League returns: the race for survival – with team by team analysis.
Written by Adam Holt
With the Premier League set to return on the 17th June, as many as six teams in danger of getting relegated to the Championship. Who will survive? Who will succumb to relegation? In this article I am going to examine each team who are the most threatened by relegation and analyse who I think are most likely to stave off the threat of relegation and stay for another Premier League season. My analysis is going to cover their top goal scorers, their best players as well as other statistics such as how prolific and defensively sound each time is.
Let's get started...
Let's get started...
20th - Norwich City (21 Points)
Norwich City are possibly the best team that has ever been bottom of the Premier League table. They have played fast, attractive football and despite being the worst defensive teams and the lowest goal scorers, they have done this beating some of the best teams in the division, with their 3-2 Carrow Road win over Manchester City coming to mind. However, their leaky defence in particular has cost them this season, with a total of 52 goals being conceded by the Canaries, the joint second worst defence (joint with Southampton) in the division, the worst being Aston Villa, who have conceded a total of 56. But what has really hindered Norwich this season is their inability to score goals in the majority of their games with only 25 goals being scored in the entire season, joint worst with Newcastle United.
Top Goalscorer and best players: Teemu Pukki (11 goals) - Teemu Pukki has undoubtedly been one of the Canaries' best players so far this season and, as you can see, their top goalscorer, despite somewhat losing his clinical edge in recent months. Maybe he can reignite his lethal goal scoring prowess, which he certainly showed in the first part of the season. Perhaps a sign of Norwich's inability to score goals on a regular basis is that the Finnish striker is by far and away their most prolific player so far this campaign, scoring almost double the goals of their second most prolific player, midfielder Tom Cantwell, with the Englishman scoring a total of 6 goals throughout the season and, particularly of late, has been one of the brightest new Premier League talents, as on top of his six goals, he has two assists to add to this. Whilst two assists is not much, he has been one of Norwich's best players. Pukki only takes the title as Norwich's best player due to his proficiency infront of goal, even if goals have dried up recently, is probably their best player.
Emi Buendia, does deserve an honourable mention, as he has been the most prolific assist maker in the Norwich squad, with a total of seven assists throughout their campaign, and he has been their most creative player. In my opinion, these three players alone should have been enough for Norwich to have a pretty decent chance of survival - even so, with the likes of Aston Villa having a head start with a game in hand and a 4 point lead, it is still going to be very difficult for Norwich to escape relegation.
Norwich's form (last five Premier League games): Draw (0-0 away at Newcastle), Loss (0-1 at home to Liverpool), Loss (3-0 away against Wolverhampton Wanderers), Win (1-0 at home to Leicester City) and a loss (1-0 away to Sheffield United).
Norwich's remaining games:
- Southampton (H) - (19/6/20)
- Everton (H) - (24/6/20)
- Arsenal (A) - (1/7/20)
- Brighton & Hove Albion (H) - (4/7/20)
- Watford (A) - (8/7/20)
- West Ham United (H) - (11/7/20)
- Chelsea (A) - (15/7/20)
- Burnley (H) - (18/7/20)
- Manchester City (A) - (26/7/20).
I will analyse how much chance I think each football club has of avoiding relegation at the end, one all clubs have been analysed, as well as taking all the information into consideration.
Top Goalscorer and best players: Teemu Pukki (11 goals) - Teemu Pukki has undoubtedly been one of the Canaries' best players so far this season and, as you can see, their top goalscorer, despite somewhat losing his clinical edge in recent months. Maybe he can reignite his lethal goal scoring prowess, which he certainly showed in the first part of the season. Perhaps a sign of Norwich's inability to score goals on a regular basis is that the Finnish striker is by far and away their most prolific player so far this campaign, scoring almost double the goals of their second most prolific player, midfielder Tom Cantwell, with the Englishman scoring a total of 6 goals throughout the season and, particularly of late, has been one of the brightest new Premier League talents, as on top of his six goals, he has two assists to add to this. Whilst two assists is not much, he has been one of Norwich's best players. Pukki only takes the title as Norwich's best player due to his proficiency infront of goal, even if goals have dried up recently, is probably their best player.
Emi Buendia, does deserve an honourable mention, as he has been the most prolific assist maker in the Norwich squad, with a total of seven assists throughout their campaign, and he has been their most creative player. In my opinion, these three players alone should have been enough for Norwich to have a pretty decent chance of survival - even so, with the likes of Aston Villa having a head start with a game in hand and a 4 point lead, it is still going to be very difficult for Norwich to escape relegation.
Norwich's form (last five Premier League games): Draw (0-0 away at Newcastle), Loss (0-1 at home to Liverpool), Loss (3-0 away against Wolverhampton Wanderers), Win (1-0 at home to Leicester City) and a loss (1-0 away to Sheffield United).
Norwich's remaining games:
- Southampton (H) - (19/6/20)
- Everton (H) - (24/6/20)
- Arsenal (A) - (1/7/20)
- Brighton & Hove Albion (H) - (4/7/20)
- Watford (A) - (8/7/20)
- West Ham United (H) - (11/7/20)
- Chelsea (A) - (15/7/20)
- Burnley (H) - (18/7/20)
- Manchester City (A) - (26/7/20).
I will analyse how much chance I think each football club has of avoiding relegation at the end, one all clubs have been analysed, as well as taking all the information into consideration.
19th - Aston Villa (25 Points)
Now, a disclaimer before we start, I am an Aston Villa fan. But, I promise to be completely unbiased and give an honest analysis and opinion on the Villa's season and chances of survival.
So far this season, Aston Villa have had little trouble when it comes to scoring goals with 24, the second highest out of all the teams fighting relegation, second only to West Ham United, who have scored 25 times. The biggest problem with Aston Villa this season has been the Villan's defence, with Villa conceding (so far) a total of 56 goals, 4 more than the next worst defence in the division, which I mentioned earlier is Norwich City with 52 goals conceded so far this season. Aston Villa have also tried to play attractive and fast football this campaign, but whilst this has lead to a decent total of goals scored, it has severely hampered Villa in many games this season, where 3 points has become 0 or 3 points becomes 1. This, combined with having the worst defence in the league has severely damaged Villa's chances of survival, as with a less leaky defence, Villa could possibly be just outside the relegation zone - yes, they would still be well in the relegation fight, but they would have also have a far better chance of survival with a better defence . If Villa do stay in the Premier League season it will most likely be due to their forwards instead of their defence. But who knows? Villa's defence may improve following the resumption of the season, and if this comes hand in hand with the same or better proficiency in front of goal, Villa may have a decent chance of survival - but it certainly won't be easy with various other teams also having a decent chance of staying in the top flight.
Top goalscorer and best players: the goals in the Villa squad are spread through more of the team, with the top goalscorer for Villa so far this season being Jack Grealish with 7, and with also 6 assists on top of this total, it is easy to see why the Englishman is attracting interest from the 'big six', with Manchester United seemingly the most interested 'big six' club. This also makes it easier to see why most Villa fans think that Grealish is the club's best player. Grealish is so necessary in creating menacing forward play and score goals is vital in Villa's survival bid as are various other players. One such player is John McGinn, the Scottish international and ex-Hibernian player is set to return to action with Villa following his months out with a fractured ankle. McGinn could provide vital strength and ball carrying prowess that can aid Grealish and the rest of Villa's forward line in a bid to score goals and secure survival. Another key player for Villa's survival is the ever-present Tyrone Mings, who's strength and defensive prowess has stopped many goals that could have been detrimental to Villa's survival bid.
Honourable mentions in Aston Villa's squad includes Douglas Luiz, Matt Targett and Marvelous Nakamba who have all played a vital part in many a win, with Nakamba contributing with vital interceptions and tackles (as is Targett) and Targett and Luiz have both contributed goals in victories this season. Targett scored the winner in Villa's last gasp 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion, and Douglas Luiz has scored vital goals, including one in Villa's 5-1 win at Carrow Road and in Villa's 2-1 (also last gasp) win over Watford.
Aston Villa's form over the last five games: Win (2-1 at home to Watford), Loss (2-1 away to Bournemouth), Loss (2-3 at home to Tottenham Hotspur), Loss (2-0 away to Southampton) and a Loss (4-0 away to Leicester City). Appalling recent form, but I suppose things can only get better!
Aston Villa's remaining games:
- Sheffield United (H) - (17/6/20)
- Chelsea (H) - (21/6/20)
- Newcastle United (A) - (24/6/20)
- Wolverhampton Wanderers (H) - (27/6/20)
- Liverpool (A) - (4/7/20)
- Manchester United (H) - (8/7/20)
- Crystal Palace (H) - (11/7/20)
- Everton (A) - (15/7/20)
- Arsenal (H) - (18/7/20)
- West Ham United (A) - (26/7/20).
So far this season, Aston Villa have had little trouble when it comes to scoring goals with 24, the second highest out of all the teams fighting relegation, second only to West Ham United, who have scored 25 times. The biggest problem with Aston Villa this season has been the Villan's defence, with Villa conceding (so far) a total of 56 goals, 4 more than the next worst defence in the division, which I mentioned earlier is Norwich City with 52 goals conceded so far this season. Aston Villa have also tried to play attractive and fast football this campaign, but whilst this has lead to a decent total of goals scored, it has severely hampered Villa in many games this season, where 3 points has become 0 or 3 points becomes 1. This, combined with having the worst defence in the league has severely damaged Villa's chances of survival, as with a less leaky defence, Villa could possibly be just outside the relegation zone - yes, they would still be well in the relegation fight, but they would have also have a far better chance of survival with a better defence . If Villa do stay in the Premier League season it will most likely be due to their forwards instead of their defence. But who knows? Villa's defence may improve following the resumption of the season, and if this comes hand in hand with the same or better proficiency in front of goal, Villa may have a decent chance of survival - but it certainly won't be easy with various other teams also having a decent chance of staying in the top flight.
Top goalscorer and best players: the goals in the Villa squad are spread through more of the team, with the top goalscorer for Villa so far this season being Jack Grealish with 7, and with also 6 assists on top of this total, it is easy to see why the Englishman is attracting interest from the 'big six', with Manchester United seemingly the most interested 'big six' club. This also makes it easier to see why most Villa fans think that Grealish is the club's best player. Grealish is so necessary in creating menacing forward play and score goals is vital in Villa's survival bid as are various other players. One such player is John McGinn, the Scottish international and ex-Hibernian player is set to return to action with Villa following his months out with a fractured ankle. McGinn could provide vital strength and ball carrying prowess that can aid Grealish and the rest of Villa's forward line in a bid to score goals and secure survival. Another key player for Villa's survival is the ever-present Tyrone Mings, who's strength and defensive prowess has stopped many goals that could have been detrimental to Villa's survival bid.
Honourable mentions in Aston Villa's squad includes Douglas Luiz, Matt Targett and Marvelous Nakamba who have all played a vital part in many a win, with Nakamba contributing with vital interceptions and tackles (as is Targett) and Targett and Luiz have both contributed goals in victories this season. Targett scored the winner in Villa's last gasp 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion, and Douglas Luiz has scored vital goals, including one in Villa's 5-1 win at Carrow Road and in Villa's 2-1 (also last gasp) win over Watford.
Aston Villa's form over the last five games: Win (2-1 at home to Watford), Loss (2-1 away to Bournemouth), Loss (2-3 at home to Tottenham Hotspur), Loss (2-0 away to Southampton) and a Loss (4-0 away to Leicester City). Appalling recent form, but I suppose things can only get better!
Aston Villa's remaining games:
- Sheffield United (H) - (17/6/20)
- Chelsea (H) - (21/6/20)
- Newcastle United (A) - (24/6/20)
- Wolverhampton Wanderers (H) - (27/6/20)
- Liverpool (A) - (4/7/20)
- Manchester United (H) - (8/7/20)
- Crystal Palace (H) - (11/7/20)
- Everton (A) - (15/7/20)
- Arsenal (H) - (18/7/20)
- West Ham United (A) - (26/7/20).
18th - AFC Bournemouth (27 Points)
For alot of this season, Bournemouth have been flirting with the relegation zone, and at this moment in time, they now find themselves fighting for their Premier League lives. With Bournemouth's recent seasons in the Premier League, it is somewhat unexpected that they now find themselves in this position. The main factor that has troubled the Cherries' campaign has been their leaky defence (47 goals conceded) and a lack of goals scored (29) - the second lowest in the bottom six in the Premier League. So, in some ways, Bournemouth are somewhat similar to Aston Villa in some ways, with a very leaky defence costing them many points throughout the season which is a big reason behind their current predicament. This, coupled with the lack of goals, has cost them points in the season. One big positive for Bournemouth is that they possess potent forwards such as Callum Wilson, Joshua King, Ryan Fraser and Liverpool loanee Harry Wilson. Also, like Villa, if Bournemouth do stay in the Premier League it is more likely to be down to their forwards than their defence, and will have to score much more than they concede, since they are so vulnerable defensively. But, again, their defence and attack could improve following the resumption of the Premier League season that may see them survive relatively comfortably.
Top goalscorer and best players: Bournemouth's top goalscorer is Callum Wilson, with the English striker scoring a total of 8 goals so far this season. He is closely followed by Liverpool loanee Harry Wilson, who has scored 7 up to this point in the season, but has not set up any goals for his team. The next two top goal scorers are Dan Gosling and Nathan Ake, who have both scored 2 goals each. This is a telling sign, seeing as their is a massive gap in terms of goals between the forwards and the rest of the squad, which has contributed to a distinct lack of goals that has been scored by the team as a whole and combine this with a leaky defence has contributed to Bournemouth's below par season. The Cherries' best players are Callum Wilson and Josh King, who have scored many goals on their journey through the leagues and in the Premier League. This applies to Callum Wilson in particular, who has been extremely prolific and reliable for Bournemouth over the years he has been at the club. Wilson and King will surely be two vital players who need to perform at thier maximum and the Cherries' have a good chance of staying in the Premier League for at least another campaign.
Honourable mentions can go to David Brooks (when he has played), Nathan Ake and Phillip Billing have all been vital cogs in the recent history of AFC Bournemouth, particularly in the Premier League.
AFC Bournemouth's form (last five games): Win (2-1 at home to Aston Villa), Loss (2-1 away to Sheffield United), Loss (3-0 away to Burnley), Draw (2-2 at home to Chelsea) and a loss (2-1 away to Liverpool).
AFC Bournemouth's remaining games:
- Crystal Palace (H) - (20/6/20)
- Wolverhampton Wanderers (A) - (24/6/20)
- Newcastle United (H) - (1/7/20)
- Manchester United (A) - (4/7/20)
- Tottenham Hotspur (H) - (8/7/20)
- Leicester City (H) - (11/7/20)
- Manchester City (A) - (15/7/20)
- Southampton (H) - (18/7/20)
- Everton (A) - (26/7/20).
Top goalscorer and best players: Bournemouth's top goalscorer is Callum Wilson, with the English striker scoring a total of 8 goals so far this season. He is closely followed by Liverpool loanee Harry Wilson, who has scored 7 up to this point in the season, but has not set up any goals for his team. The next two top goal scorers are Dan Gosling and Nathan Ake, who have both scored 2 goals each. This is a telling sign, seeing as their is a massive gap in terms of goals between the forwards and the rest of the squad, which has contributed to a distinct lack of goals that has been scored by the team as a whole and combine this with a leaky defence has contributed to Bournemouth's below par season. The Cherries' best players are Callum Wilson and Josh King, who have scored many goals on their journey through the leagues and in the Premier League. This applies to Callum Wilson in particular, who has been extremely prolific and reliable for Bournemouth over the years he has been at the club. Wilson and King will surely be two vital players who need to perform at thier maximum and the Cherries' have a good chance of staying in the Premier League for at least another campaign.
Honourable mentions can go to David Brooks (when he has played), Nathan Ake and Phillip Billing have all been vital cogs in the recent history of AFC Bournemouth, particularly in the Premier League.
AFC Bournemouth's form (last five games): Win (2-1 at home to Aston Villa), Loss (2-1 away to Sheffield United), Loss (3-0 away to Burnley), Draw (2-2 at home to Chelsea) and a loss (2-1 away to Liverpool).
AFC Bournemouth's remaining games:
- Crystal Palace (H) - (20/6/20)
- Wolverhampton Wanderers (A) - (24/6/20)
- Newcastle United (H) - (1/7/20)
- Manchester United (A) - (4/7/20)
- Tottenham Hotspur (H) - (8/7/20)
- Leicester City (H) - (11/7/20)
- Manchester City (A) - (15/7/20)
- Southampton (H) - (18/7/20)
- Everton (A) - (26/7/20).
17th - Watford (27 Points)
Many had expected Watford to perform far better than they have done to this point in the season, given that they have the likes of Abdoulaye Doucoure, Troy Deeney, Gerard Deulofeu and Ismaila Sarr in their squad but, surprisingly, they have struggled to score goals so far this season, with their total to this point of 27 being the lowest in the bottom six. Their other problem has also been their defence, conceding 44 goals, which is not close to the worst in the bottom six, but is still a sign of a leaky defence as this is still alot of goals to concede alongside scoring so few goals. If Watford do survive relegation, it is more likely going to be down to the attacking prowess of Deeney, Deulofeu and Sarr, coupled with the creativity of Doucoure and Pereyra instead of their relatively leaky defence.
Top scorer and best players: Troy Deeney is Watford's top goalscorer with six up to this point in the season, a decent total, combined with a total of two assists. Deeney has been a vital part of the Watford team over the many years that Deeney has been a part of the Watford squad and providing many a moment for Watford in the Premier League (as well as THAT goal against Leicester in THAT Championship Play-off semi final at Vicarage Road). Gerard Deulofeu, Ismaila Sarr and Abdoulaye Doucoure follow close behind Deeney with 5 goals and 4 goals respectively. There is also plenty of creativity in their forward line, with Deulofeu racking up five assists and Sarr contributing with a total of 3 assists.
Honourable mentions go to Argentinian forward Roberto Pereyra, with the ex-Juventus man who has scored three goals, which is not many, but his creativity is vital in any goals that the Hornets score in the coming months in the remainder of the current season. This can also be said of French midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure who's creativity and passing prowess causing many opposition problems and they have been vital contributions to many of the goals that Watford have scored this season and on top of this has contributed four goals and two assists so far in Watford's latest Premier League campaign.
Watford's form (last five games): Loss (2-3 at home to Everton), Draw (1-1 away to Brighton & Hove Albion), Loss (3-0 away to Manchester United), Win (3-0 at home to Liverpool - what a win this was by the way!) and a loss (1-0 away to Crystal Palace).
Watford's remaining games:
- Leicester City (H) - (20/6/20)
- Burnley (A) - (25/6/20)
- Southampton (H) - (28/6/20)
- Chelsea (A) - (4/7/20)
- Norwich City (H) - (8/7/20)
- Newcastle United (H) - (11/7/20)
- West Ham United (A) - (15/7/20)
- Manchester City (H) - (18/7/20)
- Arsenal (A) - (26/7/20).
Top scorer and best players: Troy Deeney is Watford's top goalscorer with six up to this point in the season, a decent total, combined with a total of two assists. Deeney has been a vital part of the Watford team over the many years that Deeney has been a part of the Watford squad and providing many a moment for Watford in the Premier League (as well as THAT goal against Leicester in THAT Championship Play-off semi final at Vicarage Road). Gerard Deulofeu, Ismaila Sarr and Abdoulaye Doucoure follow close behind Deeney with 5 goals and 4 goals respectively. There is also plenty of creativity in their forward line, with Deulofeu racking up five assists and Sarr contributing with a total of 3 assists.
Honourable mentions go to Argentinian forward Roberto Pereyra, with the ex-Juventus man who has scored three goals, which is not many, but his creativity is vital in any goals that the Hornets score in the coming months in the remainder of the current season. This can also be said of French midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure who's creativity and passing prowess causing many opposition problems and they have been vital contributions to many of the goals that Watford have scored this season and on top of this has contributed four goals and two assists so far in Watford's latest Premier League campaign.
Watford's form (last five games): Loss (2-3 at home to Everton), Draw (1-1 away to Brighton & Hove Albion), Loss (3-0 away to Manchester United), Win (3-0 at home to Liverpool - what a win this was by the way!) and a loss (1-0 away to Crystal Palace).
Watford's remaining games:
- Leicester City (H) - (20/6/20)
- Burnley (A) - (25/6/20)
- Southampton (H) - (28/6/20)
- Chelsea (A) - (4/7/20)
- Norwich City (H) - (8/7/20)
- Newcastle United (H) - (11/7/20)
- West Ham United (A) - (15/7/20)
- Manchester City (H) - (18/7/20)
- Arsenal (A) - (26/7/20).
16th - West Ham United (27 Points)
Not many people will have predicted the Hammers to be in this position, when a lot of people predicted West Ham to finish in the top half in the Premier League, maybe even a European spot. Considering that they have Sebastien Haller, Michail Antonio, Felipe Anderson, Robert Snodgrass and Pablo Fornals, with Manuel Lanzini and Mark Noble also worth mentioning. The Hammers have scored the most goals out of all of the teams in the bottom six with 35, one goal ahead of the second most potent side in the bottom six, Aston Villa (34). West Ham's biggest caveat has been their ever leaky defence, conceding no fewer than 50 goals so far this season, which is only beaten by Norwich City (52) and Aston Villa (56) and Southampton (52), the Saints are just above the bottom six. It seems clear that the biggest, most significant reason why West Ham are in this position is their defence. I think that with a few more goals and a tightened defence, the Hammers could survive relegation relatively comfortably.
Top goalscorer and best players: West Ham's most prolific player this season is ex Eintracht Frankfurt striker Sebastien Haller, who has converted 7 times to this point in the campaign. Scottish winger and ex Hull City man Robert Snodgrass has also been prolific this season, scoring 5 goals - with 5 assists to boot. West Ham captain and stalwart Mark Noble has also been effective for the Hammers so far this term, securing 4 goals and an assist, which is not too bad for a midfielder in a relegation battling team. Noble has also provided midfield calmness and leadership, on top of his creative and goal scoring contributions, not only this season, but during his whole career at West Ham. Michail Antonio has also been very effective this term, with two goals and two assists, which is modest, however his creativity and pace has been vital in the Hammers' survival bid.
Honourable mentions for West Ham include Spaniard Pablo Fornals, who has contributed pretty effectively this term, with two goals and five assists to boot, providing vital creativity to the Hammers' midfield - not bad for a new signing. Declan Rice is also worth a mention, with his strength and creativity in midfield contributing to his two assists this season has also been important for West Ham this season. Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski has also been important for West Ham United this season, making vital saves amounting to 4 clean sheets this campaign.
West Ham's form (last five games): Draw (3-3 at home to Brighton & Hove Albion), Loss (2-0 away against Manchester City), Loss (3-2 away to Liverpool), Win (3-1 at home to Southampton) & Loss (1-0 away against Arsenal).
West Ham United's remaining fixtures:
- Wolverhampton Wanderers (H) - (20/6/20)
- Tottenham Hotspur (A) - (23/6/20)
- Chelsea (H) - (1/7/20)
- Newcastle United (A) - (4/7/20)
- Burnley (H) - (8/7/20)
- Norwich City (A) - (11/7/20)
- Watford (H) - (15/7/20)
- Manchester United (A) - (18/7/20)
- Aston Villa (H) - (26/7/20).
Top goalscorer and best players: West Ham's most prolific player this season is ex Eintracht Frankfurt striker Sebastien Haller, who has converted 7 times to this point in the campaign. Scottish winger and ex Hull City man Robert Snodgrass has also been prolific this season, scoring 5 goals - with 5 assists to boot. West Ham captain and stalwart Mark Noble has also been effective for the Hammers so far this term, securing 4 goals and an assist, which is not too bad for a midfielder in a relegation battling team. Noble has also provided midfield calmness and leadership, on top of his creative and goal scoring contributions, not only this season, but during his whole career at West Ham. Michail Antonio has also been very effective this term, with two goals and two assists, which is modest, however his creativity and pace has been vital in the Hammers' survival bid.
Honourable mentions for West Ham include Spaniard Pablo Fornals, who has contributed pretty effectively this term, with two goals and five assists to boot, providing vital creativity to the Hammers' midfield - not bad for a new signing. Declan Rice is also worth a mention, with his strength and creativity in midfield contributing to his two assists this season has also been important for West Ham this season. Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski has also been important for West Ham United this season, making vital saves amounting to 4 clean sheets this campaign.
West Ham's form (last five games): Draw (3-3 at home to Brighton & Hove Albion), Loss (2-0 away against Manchester City), Loss (3-2 away to Liverpool), Win (3-1 at home to Southampton) & Loss (1-0 away against Arsenal).
West Ham United's remaining fixtures:
- Wolverhampton Wanderers (H) - (20/6/20)
- Tottenham Hotspur (A) - (23/6/20)
- Chelsea (H) - (1/7/20)
- Newcastle United (A) - (4/7/20)
- Burnley (H) - (8/7/20)
- Norwich City (A) - (11/7/20)
- Watford (H) - (15/7/20)
- Manchester United (A) - (18/7/20)
- Aston Villa (H) - (26/7/20).
15th - Brighton & Hove Albion (29 Points)
Brighton and Hove Albion have been in and around the bottom end of the table for the majority of the campaign. The Seagulls have had no problem scoring goals, scoring 32 so far this season, which is amongst the highest in the bottom six in the Premier League, but their defence, much like every team in this section, conceding 40 goals. Although 40 goals is a lot to concede, Brighton have been relatively solid defensively, as they have the best defence in the bottom half of the table, so it is somewhat surprising to find them in this situation... until you see how many goals they have scored. Brighton's problem with scoring goals is the main reason they are in this situation, as 32 goals scored is very poor, considering they have only conceded 40, which is not many in the bottom half of the table, so if Brighton were more prolific they would not have too much trouble in avoiding relegation. The likes of Matt Ryan and Lewis Dunk have meant that the Seagulls have a solid defence but their blunt-ish attack has been their downfall all season, and is the reason they are in the situation that they find themselves in.
Top goalscorer and best players: Brighton's top marksman this season is ex Brentford striker Neal Maupay, who has scored on eight occasions and has also assisted twice this term, and is far and away the most prolific forward currently in their first team squad, with the next most prolific player in the Seagulls' squad being Leandro Trossard and Adam Webster have three each (with Trossard having three assists on top of this. The very fact that a centre back is the joint second top goalscorer in Brighton's squad is a sign that things may not be going to swimmingly for the Seagulls this campaign - this is main reason why Brighton are in the midst of a relegation battle - they just can't score goals. This means that they are not going to be able to convert many draws into many wins, unless they improve in their forward play.
Honourable mentions for Brighton include Aaron Connelly, a young forward who has scored twice in the Premier League this season. Another player in Brighton's squad worthy of a mention is winger/forward Alireza Jahanbakhsh, with the Iranian also scoring on two occasions this term and, coupled with midfielder Pascal Gross (who has two goals and four assists) means that there is a plethora of creativity in this squad, they just can't convert the chances created by the likes of Gross and Huddersfield loanee Aaron Mooy.
Brighton & Hove Albion's form (last five games): Draw (3-3 away against West Ham United), Draw (1-1 at home to Watford), Draw (1-1 away to Sheffield United), Loss (0-1 at home against Crystal Palace) and draw (0-0 away against Wolverhampton Wanderers).
Brighton & Hove Albion's remaining games:
- Arsenal (H) - (20/6/20)
- Leicester City (A) - (23/6/20)
- Manchester United (H) - (30/6/20)
- Norwich City (A) - (4/7/20)
- Liverpool (H) - (8/7/20)
- Manchester City (H) - (11/7/20)
- Southampton (A) - (15/7/20)
- Newcastle United (H) - (18/7/20)
- Burnley (A) - (26/7/20)
Top goalscorer and best players: Brighton's top marksman this season is ex Brentford striker Neal Maupay, who has scored on eight occasions and has also assisted twice this term, and is far and away the most prolific forward currently in their first team squad, with the next most prolific player in the Seagulls' squad being Leandro Trossard and Adam Webster have three each (with Trossard having three assists on top of this. The very fact that a centre back is the joint second top goalscorer in Brighton's squad is a sign that things may not be going to swimmingly for the Seagulls this campaign - this is main reason why Brighton are in the midst of a relegation battle - they just can't score goals. This means that they are not going to be able to convert many draws into many wins, unless they improve in their forward play.
Honourable mentions for Brighton include Aaron Connelly, a young forward who has scored twice in the Premier League this season. Another player in Brighton's squad worthy of a mention is winger/forward Alireza Jahanbakhsh, with the Iranian also scoring on two occasions this term and, coupled with midfielder Pascal Gross (who has two goals and four assists) means that there is a plethora of creativity in this squad, they just can't convert the chances created by the likes of Gross and Huddersfield loanee Aaron Mooy.
Brighton & Hove Albion's form (last five games): Draw (3-3 away against West Ham United), Draw (1-1 at home to Watford), Draw (1-1 away to Sheffield United), Loss (0-1 at home against Crystal Palace) and draw (0-0 away against Wolverhampton Wanderers).
Brighton & Hove Albion's remaining games:
- Arsenal (H) - (20/6/20)
- Leicester City (A) - (23/6/20)
- Manchester United (H) - (30/6/20)
- Norwich City (A) - (4/7/20)
- Liverpool (H) - (8/7/20)
- Manchester City (H) - (11/7/20)
- Southampton (A) - (15/7/20)
- Newcastle United (H) - (18/7/20)
- Burnley (A) - (26/7/20)
Finally...
You must be pretty bored by now, so let's draw this to a conclusion. The football clubs I think are most vulnerable to relegation are Norwich City and Aston Villa, due to both sides having extremely vulnerable defences - Villa perhaps have a slight edge due to their fairly frequent proficiency in front of goal. Of course Bournemouth, Watford and West Ham are all in big trouble, but Brighton perhaps need to watch their backs the most, due to their inability to score goals despite their defence and, in my opinion, have the toughest run - in out of all the sides occupying the bottom six.
We will wait to see what happens once the season resumes in a weeks time.
We will wait to see what happens once the season resumes in a weeks time.