Bournemouth, Norwich City and Aston Villa complete the round up. These clubs find themselves in deep troubles as they are most likely to get relegated. Only a miracle can help them come out of relegation zone. The Cherries would consider themselves as the most unlucky side as they are on same points with 16th placed West Ham and 17th placed Watford but trail due to a poor goal difference.
AFC Bournemouth:
Position: 18th (27 Points)
Season before lockdown: AFC Bournemouth was promoted to the top tier of English football for the 2015-16 season and have been quite regular in the Premier League. In the first season of top flight, the club struggled to keep up the pace but somehow avoided the drop. However, the situation has risen back as they find themselves in the spot of bother. Bournemouth sit in the 18th spot and are tied with West Ham and Watford who have better goal difference. The club will be looking to avoid the relegation in 2019-20.
Positives: The best news during the tough times for the club is long-term layoff David Brooks and Steve Cook are returning to the side.
Concerns: However, their winger Ryan Fraser is all set to depart on free at the end of the season, which might disrupt the harmony of the dressing room. With a run of tricky games left for Bournemouth, it would be a significant achievement for the club if they avoid relegation. Nathan Ake transfer also looks imminent.
Remaining PL Fixtures: Crystal Palace(H), Wolves(A), Newcastle(H), Manchester United(A), Tottenham(H), Leicester City(H), Manchester City(A), Southampton(H), Everton(A)
Aston Villa:
Position: 19th (25 Points)
Season before lockdown: Aston Villa find themselves in deep waters as they are in the 19th in the table. They are two points below safety and are toiling hard to catch a break(winless in last 5 games). The newly promoted side is one of the tipped sides to get relegated at the end of the season. Mistakes, injuries and inconsistent performances have contributed to their repressive performances in the league.
Positives: John McGinn is back into the squad who is one of the brightest players for Villa in the middle of the park. Jack grealish is in stunning form (7 goals, 6 assists) and he will be the inspiration for creativity and imagination for Villa.
Concerns: The return might be the only bright spot as their first choice shot-stopper, Tom Heaton, is still out because of injury. Also, despite the stopgap arrangement, Pepe Reina hasn’t fully recovered from the coronavirus which could have potential terrible effects on the performances. Jack Grealish, Tyrone Mings and other top players may want a transfer if Aston Villa is relegated. Tough run of games compared to other 5 relegation battlers.
Remaining PL Fixtures: Sheffield United(H), Chelsea(H), Newcastle(A), Wolves(H), Liverpool(A), Manchester United(H), Crystal Palace(H), Everton(A), Arsenal(H), West Ham(A)
Norwich City:
Position: 20th (21 Points)
Season before lockdown: The Carrow Road based outfit find themselves in the serious state as they are placed in the table’s bottom. Their early form which saw them beat champions Manchester City has dwindled. They are eight points away from the relegation zone and it seems like the promoted side will find themselves in EFL Championship in the next season. The club will face Tottenham in a friendly fixture before the Premier League begins. Also, Norwich has FA Cup assignment against Manchester United and will hope to salvage something from that game. Only a miracle along with strong performances can save Norwich City. Can Norwich survive the drop?
Positives: Individual performers in Teemu Pukki (11 goals), Emiliano Buendia (7 assists). Not to many positives
Concerns: The finance of the club has worsened because of the pandemic situation across UK. The Canaries have no fresh injury concerns but are deeply concerned with the contract situation of Max Aarons. Several top flight clubs are interested in the player and he might be set for a move along with Todd Cantwell.
Remaining PL Fixtures: Southampton(H), Everton(H), Arsenal(A), Brighton(H), Watford(A), West Ham(H), Chelsea(A), Burnley(H), Manchester City(A)
