We are approaching what’s known as the squeaky bum time of the league season. As we are nearing the final third of the Premier League 2022/23 season, with most teams having played 22 games, the relegation race is heating up. With a number of managerial changes already in the bottom half of the table, teams in the relegation will look to quickly sort their league position out and stay away from the bottom three as early as possible.

The below chart highlights the teams involved in the relegation battle 23 match weeks into the season.

As seen above, Southampton, who recently parted ways with manager Nathan Jones after only hiring him just before the World Cup, are rock bottom with just 15 points to their name. The Saints have won only four games so far that includes a win against Chelsea. Southampton are desperate for not only a new manager but a win as they have lost nine out of their last 10 games.

Just above Southampton are Bournemouth who picked up some sort of form in the immediate aftermath of their 9-0 defeat at Anfield that also resulted in the sacking of Scott Parker. However, since the permanent appointment of Gary O’Neil, the Cherries have seen some downturn in form but their January spending means that they are comparatively in a stronger position than the others to beat the drop. With the same number of points as Bournemouth, Everton are 18th in the table.

The appointment of Sean Dyche ahead of many other candidates might prove decisive if Everton are to play in the Premier League next season. With a couple of important fixtures against Leeds United and Nottingham Forest, that would have a big say as they will enter the final few weeks of the season. The marriage of Leeds United and Jesse Marsch did not pan out as planned for everybody involved. It might have come as a shock to a few that Marsch was sacked, especially after bringing in players in the January transfer window that were most likely Marsch’s preferences but no wins in nine games and only four wins all season meant that it was the right decision to sack the manager.

One team that has surprised pretty much everybody this season is West Ham United. Having the fifth-highest net spend in the Premier League in 2022 and signing players for key positions meant that West Ham are at the wrong end of the table which is in contrast to their European form. The Hammers are one of the worst away performers in the league — joint second from bottom for points won away from home. Even though they are just a point above Leeds in the table, the experience of the Hammers should eventually keep them out of the relegation zone.

Wolves are one of the most improved teams in the second half of the table in recent times with the midlands club getting used to the style and demands of manager Julen Lopetegui. Leicester and Nottingham Forest, who had poor starts to the season, are now six points clear of the drop zone and would love to continue that momentum till the end of the season.