It is a question fans of the Premier League’s bottom 6 teams would love to know the answer to. Sheffield United relegated? Almost definitely. Burnley? Probably. Regarding Nottingham Forest (who currently occupy 18th place) and the other 3 teams, it is simply a guessing game.
Throughout the entire Premier League season, there has been so much uncertainty around points tallies and league positions, after two points deductions and two appeals of these as well. That being said, both Everton and Nottingham Forest have more than enough talent in their squads, they *should* be capable of winning enough games that these point deductions don’t have any meaningful impact on their seasons. Without the points taken away, Everton would be 9 points above the relegation zone, and Forest 3 above it. Both teams have evidently been hugely dented psychologically by their unjust punishments.
Luton were underestimated and discounted by absolutely everybody as early as the day they won the playoff final. Quite clearly they lack the talent of their rivals, but make up for it with togetherness, tenacity and their reluctance to ever give up. This is evident via draws with title bottling Liverpool, and their 4-0 win over Brighton at the end of January. They clearly are motivated by Forest and Everton’s troubles and must not be underestimated anymore.
Luton Town’s Andros Townsend:
‘We don’t know what’s going to happen. Everton have got points back, Forest are appealing and may get points back, Everton may get more points [deducted] – who knows..’
Surely, surely Brentford are too good to go down? Especially now both Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo have returned to the matchday squad. They are known for being well coached and hard to beat, but that just has not been the case this season. 2 wins in their last 10 matches (one of which against Forest), their first choice 2 CBs are out for the rest of the season. Besides Mbeumo’s return, it is difficult to find any positives for Brentford fans. Just like Luton, they will have to hope Forest’s appeal is unsuccessful and that Everton get some more taken off them.
Anyone could go down, it might not even be decided on the pitch.