West Ham's Fixture Analysis Compared to Relegation Rivals
West Ham United are in solid form as they prepare to enter their last eight games of the Premier League season, with the Iron giving themselves a fighting chance for survival. Currently, they are just goal difference away from safety after a week without change at the bottom of the table. All four teams involved in the relegation battle drew last weekend, maintaining the status quo, but that sequence of results is unlikely to repeat itself this weekend.
Upcoming Fixtures for Relegation Contenders
Tottenham face Nottingham Forest in a crucial relegation six-pointer, while West Ham take on Aston Villa away from home, and Leeds United host Brentford. All four sides know they need a good run of form between now and the end of the season to avoid dropping into the Championship. It will be intriguing to see who manages to pull it off and who is left playing second-tier football next season.
Detailed Run-In for Each Team
West Ham's run-in: Aston Villa (A), Wolves (H), Crystal Palace (A), Everton (H), Brentford (A), Arsenal (H), Newcastle United (A), Leeds United (H).
Leeds United's run-in: Brentford (H), Man Utd (A), Wolves (H), AFC Bournemouth (A), Burnley (H), Tottenham (A), Brighton (H), West Ham (A).
Tottenham's run-in: Nottingham Forest (H), Sunderland (A), Brighton (H), Wolves (A), Aston Villa (A), Leeds United (H), Chelsea (A), Everton (H).
Nottingham Forest's run-in: Tottenham (A), Aston Villa (H), Burnley (H), Sunderland (A), Chelsea (A), Newcastle United (H), Man Utd (A), AFC Bournemouth (H).
Comparing the Run-Ins
Starting with West Ham's game, if they can get through the Villa match and nick a point, they then have a big opportunity against bottom club Wolves, even though the Midlands club have picked up a little form of late. Crystal Palace is also a winnable game, while Everton will be trickier, albeit it is at home. The run of Brentford, Arsenal, and Newcastle United games will be challenging, but the Iron are going to have to hang in there. The final game against Leeds United could be very winnable, given there is potential for the Whites to be safe by then.
Leeds have a head start, and looking at their fixtures, they should have enough to secure safety. If they can beat Wolves and Burnley and pick up another win and draw or two from the remaining five games, they will likely have enough points.
Tottenham is a case of who knows. They have the quality to pull away from the relegation zone, but injuries and rotten form complicate things. What you would say about Spurs is that they have four games they could feasibly win, providing an opportunity to pull away from the bottom three. However, they will need a run of good form, which is not certain. On paper, Spurs may have the advantage.
Forest may have the worst run-in, with Burnley being the only comfortable game on their list of remaining fixtures. Villa, Chelsea, Newcastle, Man Utd, and Bournemouth are difficult fixtures to have, while Sunderland have been very strong at home this season.
