Relegation run-in: Remaining fixtures and survival hopes for Burnley, Everton, Leeds and Aston Villa
- Michael Graham
- 2 May 2022
It's starting to get very tight towards the bottom of the Premier League table again, and that might make for a fascinating relegation run-in.
There has been a huge swing in the Premier League relegation fight, with Burnley turning it on its head with two wins in a week.
Norwich were confirmed to be relegated after their loss to Aston Villa this weekend, while it only seems a matter of time until Watford's Championship status is confirmed.
Aston Villa
The situation: Aston Villa should be feeling pretty safe right now. The currently sit eight points above the relegation zone on 40 points with five games remaining.
From here you'd have to say that Villa can only be architects of their own downfall. They've managed to hit that magical 40-point mark under Steven Gerrard and should avoid being sucked into the dogfight.
Remaining fixtures
Run-in rundown: Aston Villa have Burnley to play twice, and that only strengthens the potential for implosion here. If they lose both, that commanding lead over Burnley in the Premier League table will be all but gone.
They did make things slightly less stressful with a home win against Norwich though. But it's far too soon for Gerrard's men to relax.
Leeds
The situation: There is no doubt that Burnley's resurgence is a big worry for Leeds.
The 4-0 loss to league leaders Manchester City saw their position of comfort disintegrate, and they're now level with Burnley, and just two points clear of Everton after both their rivals won this weekend. With just four games to go, it's all to play for.
Remaining fixtures
Run-in rundown: With difficult fixtures on the horizon, Leeds' task isn't getting any easier. On top of that, Everton and Burnley appear to be digging deep and grinding out results.
The Yorkshire side are in a good run of form of their own, but whether they'll get enough points from their four remaining games is yet to be seen. It's bound to be nervy, and they'll enter huge underdogs against both Arsenal and Chelsea.
Everton
The situation: Had Everton lost to Chelsea on the weekend, their relegation was looking imminent. But Frank Lampard's side rallied when needed, and they've kept their fate in their own hands.
That doesn't mean much at the foot of the table, but Lampard will hope his side can carry the momentum from the Chelsea victory into some slightly easier fixtures.
Remaining fixtures
Run-in rundown: Having kept themselves in the running despite some incredibly tough fixtures over the last month, now is the time Everton need to be picking up consistent points.
The win against Chelsea was huge to their survival hopes, and with some much more favourable fixtures now on their schedule, Goodison Park can start believing.
Burnley
The situation: In a word: Transformed. The wins over Southampton, Wolves and Watford has hauled them into safety, and even above Leeds. What's more, they wouldn't swap their fixtures with any of their rivals, and their form has been immaculate under Mike Jackson.
Remaining fixtures
Run-in rundown: There is no denying that Burnley appear to be on the cusp of a real opportunity here. The sacking of Sean Dyche came as a surprise, but Jackson has already justified his spot in the hotseat.
Three consecutive wins has changed the whole outlook of the club, and it doesn't look like they'll slow down anytime soon. The two games against Everton will be their biggest tests, and should they come out on top - survival is all-but confirmed.
