Four clubs are locked in a titanic struggle for Premier League safety with just two rounds of games to be played until the end of the season. Nottingham Forest, Everton, Leeds United and Leicester City know that two of them will suffer the same fate as Southampton, who have already been relegated to the Championship. The pressure on the players from these four clubs is immense, as relegation could lead to job losses for many non-playing staff at their clubs.
Nottingham Forest currently sit three points above the drop zone and a win over Arsenal this weekend should all but secure their spot in the Premier League for next season. If safety is not secured, they will have another chance when they travel to Crystal Palace on the final day of the season. Palace have already secured their Premier League status and have won two and drawn one of their three games at home since Roy Hodgson returned to the club in April. Forest have won two of their last four fixtures and drew with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
Everton are a point above the drop zone and travel south to face Wolves this weekend. The Midlanders have been dominant at home under Julen Lopetegui this calendar year, winning seven games without conceding a single goal in any of them. Everton will then host Bournemouth on the final day of the season, with the Cherries winless in their last two games since all but securing safety with a win over Leeds on April 30.
Leeds are running out of time and games, as they head to West Ham this weekend. The Hammers are now safe and may make wholesale changes to their starting XI, giving Leeds a chance of victory. Leeds then host Tottenham on the final day of the season, with Spurs under huge pressure to secure a top four finish in the face of Liverpool’s incredible recent run of form.
Leicester have yielded only one win under Dean Smith since he was appointed for the remainder of the season back in April. They travel to Champions League chasing Newcastle this weekend, who have only lost two matches at St James’ Park all season. Leicester then host West Ham on the final day, who could potentially rest players ahead of a possible Europa Conference League final ten days later. With just two rounds of games remaining, the battle for survival is reaching its climax.