A closer look at the Premier League relegation battle

• The 2022/23 English Premier League season is coming to an end with only two matches left to play
• The relegation battle has never been this tight with only one team having been relegated so far
• We take a look at the relegation battle with the two matches remaining to play

Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League has been confirmed, but the battle to avoid joining them in the Championship next season is still ongoing and promises to be a close race.

Among West Ham, Nottingham Forest, Everton, Leeds, and Leicester, two teams will face the same fate as Southampton. Let’s take a closer look at the relegation battle with only two games remaining.

West Ham United (Leeds H. Leicester A)

Although West Ham is in a relatively safe position, their final two fixtures hold significance in determining which teams face relegation. It would require an extraordinary turn of events for West Ham to be relegated, as they currently have a six-point lead over Leeds and a significantly better goal difference. They would need to suffer heavy defeats in both games and see other results go against them. Their only concern might be the impact of their European matches, with their game against Leeds scheduled shortly after their Europa Conference League semi-final second leg against AZ Alkmaar.

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Nottingham Forest (Arsenal H, Crystal Palace A)

With seven points earned from their last four matches, Nottingham Forest has managed to climb out of the relegation zone. Even if they lose their remaining games, they could still secure their safety. A draw against Arsenal, coupled with a Leeds defeat at West Ham and a failure for Leicester to beat Newcastle, would guarantee their survival. However, if they suffer two defeats and other results go against them, they will find themselves back in the Championship.

Everton (Wolves A, Bournemouth H)

Everton are fighting in the Premier League relegation battle for the first time in several years but they could stay up should they win one of their remaining two fixtures. | PHOTO: Goal |

On paper, Everton has the easiest fixtures among the teams involved in the relegation battle, and they will be optimistic about their chances of staying up. Their crucial victory against Brighton during the Bank Holiday weekend has given them a boost. If they win against Wolves and Leeds loses to West Ham while Leicester fails to beat Newcastle, Everton’s survival will be confirmed. Even with two defeats, they may still be safe if Leeds only manages to draw one game, depending on a slight goal difference swing.

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Leeds United (West Ham A, Tottenham H)

Leeds United’s fate relies on other teams’ results, but they must also take care of their own business under Sam Allardyce. There are several possible outcomes still in play. The most concerning scenario is that they will be relegated if they lose to West Ham, Everton wins against Wolves, and Nottingham Forest secures a positive result against Arsenal. However, a draw in just one of their two games could be enough to keep them in the Premier League if Everton and Leicester both lose their matches. Leeds will hope to capitalize on West Ham’s involvement in European competitions, as Allardyce returns to his former club before a crucial home game against Tottenham.

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Leicester City ( Newcastle A, West Ham H)

Leicester City, former Premier League champions, face the risk of relegation if they fail to defeat Newcastle on Monday night, Nottingham Forest earns a point against Arsenal, and Everton triumphs over Wolves. A defeat at St James’ Park would mean Everton only needs two points from their final two games to secure their safety. Realistically, Leicester needs to win at least one of their remaining matches against Newcastle or West Ham to stay up, although two draws could still be enough to avoid relegation.