Premier League Relegation Battle: Which Team Faces the Easiest Schedule?
The Premier League relegation battle has tightened with four clubs contesting the last safety spot. Wolves and Burnley still technically can escape relegation. Most projections, however, place one of Tottenham, West Ham, Nottingham Forest or Leeds as the final team fighting to avoid the drop.
Current table context
Leeds sit 15th with 33 points from 31 games and a goal difference of -11. Nottingham Forest occupy 16th, on 32 points from 31 outings with a -12 goal difference.
West Ham are 17th after 32 matches, on 32 points and a -17 goal difference. Tottenham are rooted in 18th with 30 points from 31 games and a -10 goal difference.
Fixture lists and remaining matches
Leeds United
- 13 April – Manchester United (A)
- 18 April – Wolves (H)
- 25 April – Bournemouth (A)
- 2 May – Burnley (H)
- 9 May – Tottenham (A)
- 17 May – Brighton (H)
- 24 May – West Ham (A)
Leeds have seven matches left. Home ties against Wolves and Burnley look winnable. Trips to United and Brighton are tougher assignments.
Nottingham Forest
- 12 April – Aston Villa (H)
- 19 April – Burnley (H)
- 24 April – Sunderland (A)
- 2 May – Chelsea (A)
- 9 May – Newcastle (H)
- 17 May – Manchester United (A)
- 24 May – Bournemouth (H)
Forest face seven remaining fixtures. A home match with Burnley offers an important chance for points. Trips to Manchester United and Chelsea are major tests.
West Ham United
- 20 April – Crystal Palace (A)
- 25 April – Everton (H)
- 2 May – Brentford (A)
- 9 May – Arsenal (H)
- 17 May – Newcastle (A)
- 24 May – Leeds (H)
West Ham have six matches remaining. Their recent 4-0 win over Wolves lifted them to 17th. A final-day home match with Leeds could be decisive.
Tottenham Hotspur
- 12 April – Sunderland (A)
- 18 April – Brighton (H)
- 25 April – Wolves (A)
- 2 May – Aston Villa (A)
- 9 May – Leeds (H)
- 17 May – Chelsea (A)
- 24 May – Everton (H)
Tottenham also have seven matches left. The club have gone 14 league games without a win. Roberto De Zerbi is now in charge after Igor Tudor’s difficult spell.
Key moments and context
Tottenham suffered a 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in the final match before the March international break. That defeat contributed to Spurs dropping into the relegation zone after West Ham beat Wolves 4-0.
Tottenham lifted the Europa League last season. They also reached the Champions League knockout stage this term. The club have spent just one season outside the top flight since 1950.
Where points can be won and pressure fixtures
Leeds appear to have the kindest run of fixtures on paper. Home games against Wolves and Burnley could secure safety. Away trips to Tottenham and West Ham also offer opportunities.
Forest’s best chances look like home fixtures versus Burnley and Bournemouth. Their Europa League involvement could complicate the end of the campaign.
West Ham’s form since the turn of the year has improved. A trip to Crystal Palace and the final-day meeting with Leeds look important. A tough spell against Everton, Brentford and Arsenal lies in late April and early May.
Spurs have few obvious safe fixtures given current form. Matches against Wolves and Leeds are potential turning points. Trips to Aston Villa and Chelsea are stern tests.
Final run-in and outlook
Each club has six or seven matches remaining. The closing fixtures set up dramatic scenarios. West Ham hosting Leeds on the final day could decide survival for one side.
Leeds currently have the most favourable schedule on paper. Forest may be impacted by their Europa League commitments. West Ham’s recent 4-0 result improved their prospects. Tottenham need an immediate upturn under De Zerbi.
Filmogaz.com verdict
The Premier League relegation battle remains wide open. If asked which team faces the easiest schedule, Leeds stand out. The situation can change weekly as results arrive.
