The Premier League finish line is now in view but we still do not know which two teams will be joining Southampton in the Championship next season.
So, which two of Leicester City, Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and Everton will fall through the trapdoor? Let’s take a look at the odds, before we analyse what promises to be a dramatic demotion dogfight.
| Team | Relegation Odds | Bookmaker |
| Leicester City | 1/7 | Bet Victor |
| Leeds United | 40/85 | Spreadex |
| Nottingham Forest | 11/4 | Sky Bet |
| Everton | 7/2 | William Hill |
One more win would probably be enough for Nottingham Forest to preserve their Premier League status. Steve Cooper’s side have taken seven points from their last five matches, which means they are the in-form team in the basement battle.
The problem is, Forest have the worst away record in the division with just seven points amassed on the road all season long. That trip to Crystal Palace on the final day will not be easy, nor will this weekend’s meeting with Arsenal.
Of the four teams fighting for their lives, Everton’s run-in is the kindest. Sean Dyche’s team will take on two sides with nothing left to play for, exactly the type of opponents that relegation strugglers love to face.
Everton will be eyeing six points from their remaining fixtures, but it is worth noting Wolves have won four on the bounce at Molineux. The Toffees are the third-lowest scorers in the Premier League and they will therefore be sweating on the fitness of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The Premier League relegation battle is going down to the wire 📉 pic.twitter.com/Vq3UAeKJaY
— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 15, 2023
Sam Allardyce picked up his first point as Leeds boss last weekend, as his team held Newcastle to a 2-2 draw at Elland Road. Renowned for his ability to organise a defence, Allardyce has his work cut out: Leeds have conceded a league-high 71 goals this term.
The Whites will hope West Ham reach the Europa Conference League final on Thursday, as David Moyes may then opt to rest key players this weekend. Tottenham blow hot and cold, which will give Leeds hope on May 28.
After taking just two points from the last 12 available, Leicester are up against it. They realistically need to beat both Newcastle and West Ham to have any chance of staying up, but that looks unlikely.
Leicester have the Premier League’s second-leakiest backline in 2023 and their players look bereft of confidence. Their fate could be sealed with a defeat at St James’ Park on Monday night.
Leicester surely have too much work to do after back-to-back defeats by Fulham and Liverpool. We predict they will be joined in the second tier by Leeds, who have probably left their revival too late.
