Relegation Battle....

Big day at the bottom today with 4 of the bottom 6 playing. With the news no club is facing PSR punishment this season, it is a straight fight on the pitch.

The biggest game is Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur. In reality Spurs won't be in the fight, just 2 points shy of what 18th placed Luton ended on last season already. However, defeat today will close the gap between them and the Toffees to 4 points with a game in hand for the Blues, making it a bit nervy for a Spurs side who have lost as many as Ipswich. A Spurs win puts 9 points between Everton and 15th - pretty much making the fight for survival between 5 teams.
It is a game between a strong Everton defence, only the top 3 have conceded less, and the second highest scoring team in the league. Everton have scored a paltry 15 goals and even an injury ravaged Spurs defence will fancy keeping them out.

The current bottom 3 are the promoted 3, and none have looked particularly good. Ipswich Town have put in some solid showings, drawing 7 of 21. Some individuals have performed pretty well, but they have won just 3 times. A home game with Manchester City will unlikely bring reward.

Southampton go to 3rd placed Nottingham Forest in their battle to avoid being the worst PL team ever. 1 win and 3 draws only so far, their 13 goals scored is embarrassing.

Leicester lost again yesterday, while Wolves go to Stamford Bridge tomorrow.

I expect heavy defeats for Everton and Ipswich today. Southampton will lose to Forest, but Wolves could get something from Chelsea. In the long run I think the promoted 3 will end well adrift of the rest, with less than 30 points each - a repeat of last seasons promoted clubs record.