Sam Allardyce Updates Premier League Relegation Prediction
Former England manager Sam Allardyce has revised his forecast for the Premier League relegation battle, now predicting Nottingham Forest will drop down to the Championship. Allardyce, who previously managed West Ham United, believes his old club has turned a corner and will secure their top-flight status.
West Ham's Resurgence Under Nuno Espirito
Just a few weeks ago, West Ham appeared destined for relegation, but a resurgence has completely altered their trajectory. Under manager Nuno Espirito, new signings have injected fresh energy into the squad, resulting in an impressive haul of 10 points from the last 15 available. This dramatic improvement has lifted The Irons out of the immediate danger zone and firmly into the relegation scrap.
Currently, West Ham sit three points behind Nottingham Forest, with Tottenham Hotspur within five points and Leeds United trailing by six. The focus for West Ham will be on overtaking Forest, the club directly above them, in the remaining fixtures.
Managerial Changes Rock Rivals
West Ham's improved form has sent shockwaves through their relegation rivals. In response to dwindling fortunes, both Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur have sacked their managers in recent weeks. Sean Dyche departed Forest, while Thomas Frank left Tottenham, highlighting the intense pressure at the bottom of the table.
In contrast, West Ham have enjoyed a period of steady results, although they have suffered a setback with new signing Pablo Felipe ruled out for approximately six weeks due to injury. Felipe had been making a positive impact with his energetic performances in attack.
Allardyce's Revised Verdict
Speaking on his No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Allardyce explained his changed perspective. "I would have said a couple of weeks ago, West Ham," he admitted. "But not now. So I say, with a change of manager now, Forest." This shift underscores the volatile nature of the relegation fight and the impact of managerial changes.
Challenging Fixture List Ahead
West Ham face a daunting run of matches that will test their survival credentials. Their upcoming schedule includes:
- A tough home game against Bournemouth this weekend
- An away trip to face Liverpool at Anfield
- A visit to Fulham
- A home clash with Manchester City
- An away date with Aston Villa
To maintain their Premier League status, West Ham will need to secure some unexpected results during this challenging period. Their ability to navigate these fixtures could ultimately determine their fate in one of the closest relegation battles in recent memory.
