We are just past the halfway point of the Premier League season and already teams will be assessing their league position, and reassessing their goals and targets for the second half of the campaign.
While those in the top few positions may well be thinking about a winning the title and Champions League qualification, those towards the bottom of the table will simply be thinking about Premier League survival.
Currently, the bottom three positions are occupied by Newcastle United, Sunderland and Aston Villa. Are these three teams capable of jumping out of the relegation zone by season’s end?
Unfortunately for Aston Villa the situation is beyond repair. One win from 20 games is a team that will not be in the Premier League next season. Villa have flirted with relegation previously but the crucial goals of Christian Benteke managed to keep them afloat last season.
Manager Tim Sherwood was replaced this campaign after nine games but new manager Remi Garde has not been able to see Villa pick up much needed wins. There will be no great escape; Aston Villa will be relegated after 28 consecutive seasons in the top flight.
The next question will be how many players remain beyond this season? Villa did spend on the squad in the summer hoping to solidify their status in the Premier League with the additions of Idrissa Gueye, Jordan Amavi, Jordan Ayew, Jordan Veretout, Rudy Gestede and Adama Traore. How many Aston Villa players will be keen to play in the Championship?
Sunderland picked up a much needed win over Aston Villa in their last fixture, which takes them to 15 points, still four points off safety and the 17th ranked Swansea. What will be vital for any team at the bottom part of the table looking to survive is the ability to fight and scrap for every point like their lives depend on it.
This is something that has generally been a trademark of sides managed by Sam Allardyce. Sunderland still need to increase their scoring power while trying to stop leaking goals at the back, something that sounds simplistic but is often easier said than done.
Currently there is a heavy reliance on Jermaine Defoe and Steven Fletcher to score the goals. Certainly Adam Johnson will be one player Sunderland need to provide more creativity and the Black Cats still want more from Fabio Borini in the back half of the year.
The jury still seems to be out on Steve McLaren at Newcastle. Certainly starting the season without a win in eight games was not ideal. While performances have improved, the fact they are still in the relegation zone at this time of the season is a concern. Without a win in the last four games, Newcastle simply must start scoring goals.
Some smart January transfer business may hold the key to retaining Premier League status. Sunderland is currently in negotiations with Bayern Munich defender Jan Kirchhoff and is also linked with moves for Sandro and Tottenham winger Andros Townsend.
Newcastle, in need of goals, have been linked with Charlie Austin and Michy Batshuayi. Spending money on players is pointless for Aston Villa at this point, unless the club feel they have a role to play in the Championship next season.
Most fans try to be positive and for the bottom clubs it can be difficult, but a new year brings renewed hope and fans will be hoping this season is not the last they see their club in the Premier League.
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