It would be unfair to completely write off West Brom and Sheffield United from staying in the Premier League, however, it is fair to say that either team surviving would be considered one of the greatest escapes in recent history, particularly the latter.
The appointment of Sam Allardyce back in December hasn’t been as successful as the Baggies would have hoped and the ex-England manager is now on the verge of the first relegation in his managerial career. West Brom’s defence has been woeful and have conceded 11 goals more than any other team in the division, this certainly needs addressing instantly for them to have any hopes of staying in the division.
Sheffield United can be proud that they are not already relegated at this point of the season following a torrid start, where they looked on track to beat Derby County’s record of lowest points total in a Premier League season (11). It took until January for the Blades to get their first win of the season, but now they have won four of their last 10, which at least gives them some confidence if they do get relegated. But 12 points adrift from Newcastle means it looks like too little too late for Chris Wilder’s side and we feel they would need at least seven or eight wins from their last 11 games if they are to achieve the impossible.
By Tom Eaton