Premier League Safety Race: Points Needed for West Ham and Tottenham
By Jamie Kemble, Football Reporter. Published 6th March 2026, 10:14 GMT.
West Ham and Tottenham are embroiled in a fierce battle for Premier League survival this season, with both clubs facing intense pressure to avoid relegation. A recent home defeat for Tottenham against Crystal Palace has left them perilously close to the drop zone, while West Ham's recent resurgence offers a glimmer of hope in their fight for safety.
Tottenham's Deepening Crisis
Tottenham's situation has deteriorated rapidly, with a loss to Crystal Palace positioning them just one point above the relegation zone. Previously, there was a belief that Spurs were too strong to face relegation, despite their lowly standing, but that confidence has evaporated. Manager Igor Tudor is struggling to reverse the team's fortunes, compounded by ongoing injury issues and disciplinary problems, amplifying relegation fears to unprecedented levels.
Meanwhile, West Ham and Nottingham Forest both secured points in midweek fixtures, further tightening the race and pushing Tottenham to the brink of danger.
West Ham's Remarkable Turnaround
In contrast, West Ham has experienced a dramatic improvement in form over recent weeks, sparking serious optimism about their survival prospects. A crucial victory over Fulham on Wednesday night brought the Hammers within goal difference of Nottingham Forest, though significant challenges remain ahead.
How Many Points Are Needed for Safety?
While the exact points total required for Premier League security cannot be determined definitively, historical data from the past ten seasons provides a useful benchmark. By examining the points of the 18th-placed team each year and adding one point to ensure survival without reliance on goal difference, the average needed over this period is 33 points.
However, with West Ham currently occupying 18th place with 28 points and nine games left to play, it is highly probable that the threshold for safety this season will exceed this average.
Current Predictions and Requirements
According to Opta's projected table, securing safety this season may demand 38 points. Their forecasts indicate West Ham finishing in 18th place with approximately 37.49 points, while Tottenham is expected to land in 15th with around 40.04 points.
If 38 points prove necessary, West Ham must accumulate 10 points from their remaining nine matches, whereas Tottenham will need to secure 9 points to avoid relegation. This sets the stage for a tense and closely contested finale to the Premier League campaign.
