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Leeds cannot save themselves now
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Who will be relegated from the Premier League 2022/23?
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Geordie Ahmed
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I can see Leeds beating Spurs at home but I also think Everton get at least a point to Bournemouth
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After another nail-biting weekend at the bottom of the Premier League, a path has opened up for Leicester to make a dramatic escape from relegation.
The failure of Everton and Leeds to pick up wins means the second-bottom Foxes could move out of the bottom three on goal difference if they beat Newcastle on Monday.
Draw or lose though, and it will be Everton who remain above the dreaded bottom line going into the final weekend.
The Toffees scored a 99th-minute equaliser against Wolves on Saturday and manager Sean Dyche says they will fight to preserve their top-flight status.
"I'm really, really pleased with the mentality of the players. We're stretched as you can be as a squad, but the mentality is to take on the next challenge, which is the last game of the season," said Dyche.
"You can't sign up to be a professional footballer and want all the good stuff all the time. You have to fight to get yourself in to the Premier League. We're going to fight to stay there."
Leeds' destiny is now out of their hands after slipping to a 3-1 defeat against West Ham on Sunday, leaving them two points behind Everton in 18th place, with Tottenham lying in wait on the final day at Elland Road.
"We slipped up last week when we could have won and today we haven't shown the quality when needed," said manager Sam Allardyce. "So next week has to be much, much better.
"The players need to roll their sleeves up, apply themselves in the right way, beat Tottenham and hope other results go in our favour."
The relegation picture became clearer in Saturday's late game when Nottingham Forest beat Arsenal 1-0 to secure their place in the top flight for next season, meaning is two from three to decide who will join already relegated Southampton in the Championship.
How it stands
The bottom six of the Premier League
Nottingham Forest (16th, 37pts)
Safe
Nottingham Forest are in the Premier League for the first time since 1998-99 after winning promotion from the Championship last season and Steve Cooper signed 30 players in a bid to keep them in the top division.
He achieved that aim with a game to spare after Taiwo Awoniyi's goal sealed victory against the Gunners that also secured the Premier League title for Manchester City.
Still to play: 28 May: Crystal Palace (a)
Everton (17th, 33pts)
Everton's results improved after Dyche became manager at the end of January following the sacking of Frank Lampard, but not enough to steer them clear of trouble.
They were seconds away from defeat against Wolves, but only time will tell how crucial Mina's late goal will be.
"The mood around Goodison Park would have hit the floor had they left Molineux with the defeat that would have left their Premier League existence even more fragile," said BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty.
"Instead, Mina pounced in a crowded scene to give Everton a point that may yet prove priceless as they go into their final home game against Bournemouth.
"Goodison Park will be full of passion next Sunday as Everton hope they can make their third last-day escape of the Premier League era."
Still to play: 28 May: Bournemouth (h)
Leeds United (18th, 31pts)
Jesse Marsch was sacked as manager in February with Leeds on a seven-game winless run but, after an encouraging start, things got tough for new boss Javi Gracia and he was subsequently replaced by Allardyce.
Leeds boosted their survival hopes with a spirited 2-2 draw at home to Newcastle at Elland Road last weekend, but Sunday's defeat away at West Ham means their fate is now out of their hands.
The Whites finish the season at home to Tottenham Hotspur.
Winger Luis Sinisterra, whose goal against Leicester on 25 April was his third in five games, isn't available for the run-in owing to an ankle ligament injury, but Junior Firpo is available for the Spurs game after missing the West Ham defeat with a one-game ban.
Still to play: 28 May: Tottenham (h)
Leicester City (19th, 30pts)
Leicester finished eighth last season and reached the Europa Conference League semi-finals, but they made an awful start to this campaign, picking up only one point in their first seven matches.
Manager Brendan Rodgers has been replaced by Smith until the end of the season, but they have dropped into the relegation places.
Leicester have an array of attacking talent, but their problem has been conceding goals, having failed to keep a clean sheet in their past 20 matches.
Still to play: 22 May: Newcastle (a); 28 May: West Ham (h)
Southampton (20th, 24pts)
Relegated
Southampton will be playing Championship football in 2023-24 after a 2-0 loss to Fulham on Saturday extended their winless streak to 11, including eight defeats, and confirmed their relegation.
They are another side on their third manager of the season after they sacked Ralph Hasenhuttl in November.
He was replaced by Nathan Jones, who only lasted eight Premier League matches and picked up one win before he was also dismissed.
Ruben Selles, assistant manager under Hasenhuttl, was next in line, but he has not been able to keep them up.
Still to play: 21 May: Brighton (a); 28 May: Liverpool (h)
BBC
The failure of Everton and Leeds to pick up wins means the second-bottom Foxes could move out of the bottom three on goal difference if they beat Newcastle on Monday.
Draw or lose though, and it will be Everton who remain above the dreaded bottom line going into the final weekend.
The Toffees scored a 99th-minute equaliser against Wolves on Saturday and manager Sean Dyche says they will fight to preserve their top-flight status.
"I'm really, really pleased with the mentality of the players. We're stretched as you can be as a squad, but the mentality is to take on the next challenge, which is the last game of the season," said Dyche.
"You can't sign up to be a professional footballer and want all the good stuff all the time. You have to fight to get yourself in to the Premier League. We're going to fight to stay there."
Leeds' destiny is now out of their hands after slipping to a 3-1 defeat against West Ham on Sunday, leaving them two points behind Everton in 18th place, with Tottenham lying in wait on the final day at Elland Road.
"We slipped up last week when we could have won and today we haven't shown the quality when needed," said manager Sam Allardyce. "So next week has to be much, much better.
"The players need to roll their sleeves up, apply themselves in the right way, beat Tottenham and hope other results go in our favour."
The relegation picture became clearer in Saturday's late game when Nottingham Forest beat Arsenal 1-0 to secure their place in the top flight for next season, meaning is two from three to decide who will join already relegated Southampton in the Championship.
How it stands
The bottom six of the Premier League
Nottingham Forest (16th, 37pts)
Safe
Nottingham Forest are in the Premier League for the first time since 1998-99 after winning promotion from the Championship last season and Steve Cooper signed 30 players in a bid to keep them in the top division.
He achieved that aim with a game to spare after Taiwo Awoniyi's goal sealed victory against the Gunners that also secured the Premier League title for Manchester City.
Still to play: 28 May: Crystal Palace (a)
Everton (17th, 33pts)
Everton's results improved after Dyche became manager at the end of January following the sacking of Frank Lampard, but not enough to steer them clear of trouble.
They were seconds away from defeat against Wolves, but only time will tell how crucial Mina's late goal will be.
"The mood around Goodison Park would have hit the floor had they left Molineux with the defeat that would have left their Premier League existence even more fragile," said BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty.
"Instead, Mina pounced in a crowded scene to give Everton a point that may yet prove priceless as they go into their final home game against Bournemouth.
"Goodison Park will be full of passion next Sunday as Everton hope they can make their third last-day escape of the Premier League era."
Still to play: 28 May: Bournemouth (h)
Leeds United (18th, 31pts)
Jesse Marsch was sacked as manager in February with Leeds on a seven-game winless run but, after an encouraging start, things got tough for new boss Javi Gracia and he was subsequently replaced by Allardyce.
Leeds boosted their survival hopes with a spirited 2-2 draw at home to Newcastle at Elland Road last weekend, but Sunday's defeat away at West Ham means their fate is now out of their hands.
The Whites finish the season at home to Tottenham Hotspur.
Winger Luis Sinisterra, whose goal against Leicester on 25 April was his third in five games, isn't available for the run-in owing to an ankle ligament injury, but Junior Firpo is available for the Spurs game after missing the West Ham defeat with a one-game ban.
Still to play: 28 May: Tottenham (h)
Leicester City (19th, 30pts)
Leicester finished eighth last season and reached the Europa Conference League semi-finals, but they made an awful start to this campaign, picking up only one point in their first seven matches.
Manager Brendan Rodgers has been replaced by Smith until the end of the season, but they have dropped into the relegation places.
Leicester have an array of attacking talent, but their problem has been conceding goals, having failed to keep a clean sheet in their past 20 matches.
Still to play: 22 May: Newcastle (a); 28 May: West Ham (h)
Southampton (20th, 24pts)
Relegated
Southampton will be playing Championship football in 2023-24 after a 2-0 loss to Fulham on Saturday extended their winless streak to 11, including eight defeats, and confirmed their relegation.
They are another side on their third manager of the season after they sacked Ralph Hasenhuttl in November.
He was replaced by Nathan Jones, who only lasted eight Premier League matches and picked up one win before he was also dismissed.
Ruben Selles, assistant manager under Hasenhuttl, was next in line, but he has not been able to keep them up.
Still to play: 21 May: Brighton (a); 28 May: Liverpool (h)
BBC
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Three teams battling at the bottom
Newcastle v Leicester (20:00 BST)
Nottingham Forest confirmed their safety with a remarkable victory over Arsenal on Saturday.
That means it is now just three teams left in the battle, with Southampton already down.
Everton picked up a valuable point at Wolves on Saturday but Leeds lost 3-1 at West Ham on Sunday.
After tonight, it will come down to the final games of the season and they all have home advantage.
Everton host Bournemouth, Leeds welcome Tottenham and Leicester face West Ham.
Newcastle v Leicester (20:00 BST)
Nottingham Forest confirmed their safety with a remarkable victory over Arsenal on Saturday.
That means it is now just three teams left in the battle, with Southampton already down.
Everton picked up a valuable point at Wolves on Saturday but Leeds lost 3-1 at West Ham on Sunday.
After tonight, it will come down to the final games of the season and they all have home advantage.
Everton host Bournemouth, Leeds welcome Tottenham and Leicester face West Ham.
KingKhanWC
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Newcastle 0 - 0 Leicester HT
Not bad from Leicester, keep it tight and hope to grab a goal. They have a chance here.
Not bad from Leicester, keep it tight and hope to grab a goal. They have a chance here.
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Going down to the final day...
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Southampton are close to announcing the appointment of Swansea City head coach Russell Martin as their new boss.
Saints have turned to Martin as they rebuild following Premier League relegation, with the 37-year-old set to replace the departing Ruben Selles.
They have confirmed the Spaniard's contract will not be renewed when it expires at the end of the season.
Former Scotland defender Martin will be joined at Southampton by some members of his Swansea backroom team.
Southampton will pay compensation for Martin and his staff, whose Swansea contracts run until 2024.
Martin had been due to travel to the USA last week for talks about his future with Swansea's American ownership group, but the trip was called off.
He has said on a number of occasions he would be interested in extending his stay in Wales, but no new deal materialised.
Former Norwich City captain Martin signed a three-year contract when he left MK Dons to succeed Steve Cooper at Swansea in August 2021.
He led Swansea to 15th in his first year as a Championship boss and then 10th in the campaign which has just finished.
Swansea began the season with promise, climbing as high as fourth in October, before a long slump in form which preceded a rousing finish, with Martin's side ending 2022-23 with a nine-game unbeaten run.
His team played the sort of possession football which has been the club's trademark for much of the last 15 years, with his commitment to that style believed to appeal to Southampton's hierarchy.
In a short statement announcing that 39-year-old Selles would be leaving, Southampton said: "The club wants to place on record its thanks to Ruben for taking on the managerial position at a difficult time for the club and for giving his all as we attempted to stay in the Premier League.
"Ruben will take charge of the team for the final game against Liverpool on Sunday at St Mary's. We wish him all the best for his future career."
Saints have turned to Martin as they rebuild following Premier League relegation, with the 37-year-old set to replace the departing Ruben Selles.
They have confirmed the Spaniard's contract will not be renewed when it expires at the end of the season.
Former Scotland defender Martin will be joined at Southampton by some members of his Swansea backroom team.
Southampton will pay compensation for Martin and his staff, whose Swansea contracts run until 2024.
Martin had been due to travel to the USA last week for talks about his future with Swansea's American ownership group, but the trip was called off.
He has said on a number of occasions he would be interested in extending his stay in Wales, but no new deal materialised.
Former Norwich City captain Martin signed a three-year contract when he left MK Dons to succeed Steve Cooper at Swansea in August 2021.
He led Swansea to 15th in his first year as a Championship boss and then 10th in the campaign which has just finished.
Swansea began the season with promise, climbing as high as fourth in October, before a long slump in form which preceded a rousing finish, with Martin's side ending 2022-23 with a nine-game unbeaten run.
His team played the sort of possession football which has been the club's trademark for much of the last 15 years, with his commitment to that style believed to appeal to Southampton's hierarchy.
In a short statement announcing that 39-year-old Selles would be leaving, Southampton said: "The club wants to place on record its thanks to Ruben for taking on the managerial position at a difficult time for the club and for giving his all as we attempted to stay in the Premier League.
"Ruben will take charge of the team for the final game against Liverpool on Sunday at St Mary's. We wish him all the best for his future career."
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Three into two does not go.
With Southampton already relegated, come 19:00 BST on Sunday, two of Everton, Leeds and Leicester will be contemplating trips to Plymouth, Ipswich and Millwall in the Championship next season, while the survivor will toast a great escape.
So, on the eve of a critical final day of the Premier League season, we asked our fan writers for their heartfelt pleas to their heroes as they battle to stay in the division.
17th - Everton, two points clear of drop zone
Everton fans
Mike Richards, Unholy Trinity
I've started writing this piece countless times before eventually accepting the words that truly express our feelings heading into Sunday.
Overwhelming anxiety and apprehension are the only way to describe our current psychological state.
Asking fellow Evertonians what the club means to them, feelings range from unrelenting affection to relentless misery.
The love for our club is what makes the misery of our current plight so heightened.
The golden years of the 1980s were, quite simply, the pinnacle of our club's existence.
Since those glittering days there has been a fairly steady decline, including numerous flirtations with relegation. That decline has rapidly accelerated over the past two seasons, as our current boardroom custodians are responsible for what can only be described as complete mismanagement.
Relegation battles are becoming a habit. You can only go so long before the inevitable happens. The ramifications would be vast and, without meaning to sound arrogant, outweigh the impact on both Leeds and Leicester.
It was said this week that if Everton go down, it would be the biggest relegation of the Premier League era. It's hard to disagree.
Players and staff know by now what this club means to us. They know what we have done for them over the past two seasons as well.
We are loyal, proud and have constantly shown we have the stomach for the fight.
We will be here, whatever the weather, whoever is wearing the shirt and whoever is sitting in the dugout. However, it is time to cash in some of our adoration. We need some payback.
Quite simply, it's do or die. It's fight or flight. It's win at all costs.
FIGHT. FOR. US.
18th - Leicester, in the relegation zone
Leicester fans
Chris Forryan, Leicester Till I Die
If we get relegated this weekend, I will be sad, but let's remember what this club has gone through over the past 10 years.
Things some clubs can only dream of.
My son is too young to remember the dark days of Frank McLintock, Peter Taylor, La Manga scandals, going bust and dropping to the third tier.
But what we have shared is the 2013-14 record-breaking promotion season, eight-hour return journeys to home matches and then the 'Great Escape' - accidentally winning the Premier League when you are trying to avoid relegation.
Plus, Andrea Bocelli singing Nessun Dorma, big Wes lifting the trophy, the Champions League theme as your team walk out for a quarter-final, finally lifting the FA Cup at the fifth attempt and crying in each other's arms, and then seeing your team lift a trophy live at Wembley as we won the Community Shield.
Whatever happens on Sunday, I will wake up Monday morning and thank Vichai (RIP) and Top for those memories. We have been blessed and will be back next season, wherever that is, to do it all over again.
Keep the faith.
For more news, analysis and supporter views, check out our Leicester page
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19th - Leeds, beneath Leicester on goal difference
Leeds fans
Adonis Storr, The Roaring Peacock
If this current Leeds United squad have been waiting for a sign, then here it is.
One final 90 minutes - the May sun shining on them like a spotlight - Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road. A game that to players and owners is worth millions, but to supporters is worth far more.
This is Rocky in the final round, Churchill on the beaches. Who will answer the call to be a hero?
Leeds' fate might have already been sealed but there is still some hope, no matter how small - unbelievably, and against form and reason - that these players can finally find the fight to rescue their club and salvage some pride.
Leeds fans are not unforgiving if you fight. This is the city of 'Tubthumping', we all get knocked down. But it's time for these players to get back up and fight.
Even if they cannot be motivated by the city, the manager, the fans, or their own bank accounts, they must have some pride to cling to.
Because even after the season we have had, show a little passion and the Elland Road crowd will respond with an almighty deafening roar.
If the players make the crowd believe, this Leeds crowd can carry this team to stay in this league.
BBC
With Southampton already relegated, come 19:00 BST on Sunday, two of Everton, Leeds and Leicester will be contemplating trips to Plymouth, Ipswich and Millwall in the Championship next season, while the survivor will toast a great escape.
So, on the eve of a critical final day of the Premier League season, we asked our fan writers for their heartfelt pleas to their heroes as they battle to stay in the division.
17th - Everton, two points clear of drop zone
Everton fans
Mike Richards, Unholy Trinity
I've started writing this piece countless times before eventually accepting the words that truly express our feelings heading into Sunday.
Overwhelming anxiety and apprehension are the only way to describe our current psychological state.
Asking fellow Evertonians what the club means to them, feelings range from unrelenting affection to relentless misery.
The love for our club is what makes the misery of our current plight so heightened.
The golden years of the 1980s were, quite simply, the pinnacle of our club's existence.
Since those glittering days there has been a fairly steady decline, including numerous flirtations with relegation. That decline has rapidly accelerated over the past two seasons, as our current boardroom custodians are responsible for what can only be described as complete mismanagement.
Relegation battles are becoming a habit. You can only go so long before the inevitable happens. The ramifications would be vast and, without meaning to sound arrogant, outweigh the impact on both Leeds and Leicester.
It was said this week that if Everton go down, it would be the biggest relegation of the Premier League era. It's hard to disagree.
Players and staff know by now what this club means to us. They know what we have done for them over the past two seasons as well.
We are loyal, proud and have constantly shown we have the stomach for the fight.
We will be here, whatever the weather, whoever is wearing the shirt and whoever is sitting in the dugout. However, it is time to cash in some of our adoration. We need some payback.
Quite simply, it's do or die. It's fight or flight. It's win at all costs.
FIGHT. FOR. US.
18th - Leicester, in the relegation zone
Leicester fans
Chris Forryan, Leicester Till I Die
If we get relegated this weekend, I will be sad, but let's remember what this club has gone through over the past 10 years.
Things some clubs can only dream of.
My son is too young to remember the dark days of Frank McLintock, Peter Taylor, La Manga scandals, going bust and dropping to the third tier.
But what we have shared is the 2013-14 record-breaking promotion season, eight-hour return journeys to home matches and then the 'Great Escape' - accidentally winning the Premier League when you are trying to avoid relegation.
Plus, Andrea Bocelli singing Nessun Dorma, big Wes lifting the trophy, the Champions League theme as your team walk out for a quarter-final, finally lifting the FA Cup at the fifth attempt and crying in each other's arms, and then seeing your team lift a trophy live at Wembley as we won the Community Shield.
Whatever happens on Sunday, I will wake up Monday morning and thank Vichai (RIP) and Top for those memories. We have been blessed and will be back next season, wherever that is, to do it all over again.
Keep the faith.
For more news, analysis and supporter views, check out our Leicester page
Sign up for Foxes news notifications
19th - Leeds, beneath Leicester on goal difference
Leeds fans
Adonis Storr, The Roaring Peacock
If this current Leeds United squad have been waiting for a sign, then here it is.
One final 90 minutes - the May sun shining on them like a spotlight - Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road. A game that to players and owners is worth millions, but to supporters is worth far more.
This is Rocky in the final round, Churchill on the beaches. Who will answer the call to be a hero?
Leeds' fate might have already been sealed but there is still some hope, no matter how small - unbelievably, and against form and reason - that these players can finally find the fight to rescue their club and salvage some pride.
Leeds fans are not unforgiving if you fight. This is the city of 'Tubthumping', we all get knocked down. But it's time for these players to get back up and fight.
Even if they cannot be motivated by the city, the manager, the fans, or their own bank accounts, they must have some pride to cling to.
Because even after the season we have had, show a little passion and the Elland Road crowd will respond with an almighty deafening roar.
If the players make the crowd believe, this Leeds crowd can carry this team to stay in this league.
BBC
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The 2022-23 Premier League season comes to an end on Sunday with the battle to stay in the English top flight set to provide the main drama.
Two of Leeds, Leicester or Everton will join Southampton in dropping to the Championship and, while the top four has been settled, there are still some European places to be decided.
Two of Leeds, Leicester or Everton will join Southampton in dropping to the Championship and, while the top four has been settled, there are still some European places to be decided.
KingKhanWC
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Everton 0-0 Bournmouth
Leeds 0 - 1 Spurs
Leicester 1 - 0 West Ham
Huge goal for Leicester, they are out of the bottom 3 as it stands.
Everton now must score.
Leeds 0 - 1 Spurs
Leicester 1 - 0 West Ham
Huge goal for Leicester, they are out of the bottom 3 as it stands.
Everton now must score.
Amjid Javed
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Leeds inability to defend is reason they are gone.
Interesting to see who takes last relegation place now
Amjid Javed
PakPassion's 100,000 posts man
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Everton now in box seat 1-0 up
Amjid Javed
PakPassion's 100,000 posts man
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- Post of the Week
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Leicester down, 2nd team after Blackburn to win PL and then be relegated.
Arsenal should go by maddision now
Arsenal should go by maddision now
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Leicester City's nine-year stay in the Premier League came to an end as they were relegated in agonising fashion despite beating West Ham on the final day of the season.
The Foxes' fate was out of their hands heading into the last round of fixtures, and Everton's 1-0 victory over Bournemouth meant the 2015-16 winners slipped into the Championship by two points.
While Toffees fans were in ecstasy at Goodison Park, Leicester supporters at the King Power were left to rue a miserable campaign in which they won only nine league matches.
Knowing they needed a win to have any chance of staying up, Leicester went close early on when Kelechi Iheanacho exchanged passes with James Maddison before clipping the crossbar with a vicious, curling effort.
The hosts did break the deadlock through Harvey Barnes' cool finish from Iheanacho's pass to lead at half-time, and at that stage they were staying up on goal difference.
Jonny Evans almost headed into his own net in a nerve-jangling second half, but the stadium was silenced when word filtered through about Everton's goal.
Said Benrahma struck a delightful curling effort against the post for the visitors, before Wout Faes headed in Leicester's second goal.
Pablo Fornals pulled a goal back by stabbing in via the post as the Hammers finished 14th, six points clear of the relegation zone.
The Foxes' fate was out of their hands heading into the last round of fixtures, and Everton's 1-0 victory over Bournemouth meant the 2015-16 winners slipped into the Championship by two points.
While Toffees fans were in ecstasy at Goodison Park, Leicester supporters at the King Power were left to rue a miserable campaign in which they won only nine league matches.
Knowing they needed a win to have any chance of staying up, Leicester went close early on when Kelechi Iheanacho exchanged passes with James Maddison before clipping the crossbar with a vicious, curling effort.
The hosts did break the deadlock through Harvey Barnes' cool finish from Iheanacho's pass to lead at half-time, and at that stage they were staying up on goal difference.
Jonny Evans almost headed into his own net in a nerve-jangling second half, but the stadium was silenced when word filtered through about Everton's goal.
Said Benrahma struck a delightful curling effort against the post for the visitors, before Wout Faes headed in Leicester's second goal.
Pablo Fornals pulled a goal back by stabbing in via the post as the Hammers finished 14th, six points clear of the relegation zone.
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