Premier League relegation prediction: Who will go down out of Brighton, Wolves, Newcastle, Fulham, West Brom and Burnley?
As we're just past the halfway point in the season, and the Albion have found themselves near the bottom of the table, let's take a closer look at the relegation scrap Brighton have found themselves in and who will occupy the remaining two spots down to The Championship.
Brighton
I'm a big fan of Graham Potter and think he's been let down by some of the worst finishing ever seen in the league.
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Hide AdThe poor finishing will remain an issue for the rest of the season, but I do think there is enough in the squad for Albion to stay up.
It really is that simple, strong performances but no goals - the xG kings.
Prediction: Survive
Fulham are a good side now Scott Parker has sorted out his defence and switched to a back three - the arrival of Joachim Andersen on loan from Lyon has brought quality and leadership.
Ademola Lookman, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Harrison Reed, Antonee Robinson, Alphonse Areola are all very good players and create a decent spine, but the Lily Whites have been light up front.
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Hide AdAnd although Fulham have looked decent ever since the draw against Liverpool in December, they haven't picked up enough wins to really reverse the damage they inflicted on themselves at the start of the season.
Fulham and Brighton have both drawn a lot of games this season and I expect that to continue, meaning the two sides look like they'll be neck and neck come the end of the campaign.
If Fulham keep the squad they have and give Parker time then I think they would come straight back up to the Premier League if relegated.
Prediction: Relegation
Newcastle
Steve Bruce's men hadn't won a game of football since December 12 up until yesterday's impressive performance and result against Everton, where they won 2-0 at Goodison Park.
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Hide AdThe Magpies sit in 16th, one place and four points above Brighton, but Albion have a game in hand today against Spurs.
For the majority of the season Newcastle have played defensively in a 4-4-2 and relied on long balls up to their front men, which has led to Bruce's tactical nouse to be criticized as lacking and dated.
It was only last week Bruce's son Alex spoke out in defence of his dad - after a run of six losses in all competitions - saying 'my dad is trying his best'.
However, Newcastle look like they may have turned a corner.
Against Carlo Ancelotti's men they were organised, well-drilled and pressed intensely, with Callum Wilson bagging a brace - someone Brighton could have signed in the summer, potentially.
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Hide AdThere is enough quality in that team to stay up this season, but if things stay the same then they will most likely be relegation contenders next season.
Prediction: Survive
West Brom
The Baggies sit in 19th place (12) and six points from safety, with the worst defence in the league, shipping 50 goals after 21 games.
Big Sam's men have been on the end of some heavy defeats already, but they did produce a battling comeback in the second half against Fulham yesterday to snatch a point, which was also good for Brighton.
But I think they are too far adrift and lacking in quality to make up the difference. However, it does feel wrong to rule Sam Allardyce out of a relegation scrap.
Prediction: Relegation
Burnley
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Hide AdThe Ginger Mourinho really is working wonders at Burnley on a shoestring budget.
Burnley have only scored 13 goals in the league this season, but they've managed to win 1-0 in four out of their six victories.
The Clarets sit in 15th place on 22 points, but they do have two games in hand and are in good form of late.
They very much are anti-football but you have to admire the way the side sticks together and grinds out results, including the impressive 1-0 away win at Liverpool this month.
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Hide AdI think as long as Sean Dyche is there Burnley will be able to stay in the league - he's been in this position before and knows what it takes to keep battling.
Also, surprising to say, Dale Stephens is now in a better league position after leaving Brighton for Burnley in the summer.
Prediction: Survive
Wolves
I would be worried as a Wolves fan.
The loss of Matt Doherty and Diogo Jota in the summer, as well as Raul Jimenez's bad head injury, has really weakened the side.
Relying on an 18-year old Fabio Silva to score goals to ensure safety is a risky play.
The Midlands club is currently in the worst form in the league, picking up two points in six games.
Prediction: Survive
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