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Manchester City and Mohamed Salah might have robbed all the headlines this season, but none can take their eyes off the relegation battle. The feisty skirmish of points and numbers between the teams at the bottom makes the Premier League a true spectacle.
Encapsulated by catastrophes, heartbreaks and frustration, the outfits in the basement surrender a lot of their mental energy along with the recapitulation of ways to escape. The month of May has unfolded before us but no one can rightfully rule out any side out of the Premier League. In fact, West Bromwich Albion, who occupy the 20th position, might just frog-jump out of the red zone with a couple of wins.
The second half of the Premier League ladder is separated by six points between 11th placed Crystal Palace and the surprise failures, Southampton, who are currently seeded in 18th place. Each of these sides will be pulling their socks up and biting their nails over the last two game weeks.
While four points from two games would secure survival, a couple of losses are enough to question the future of a respective club. Two defeats can make the entire footballing world pose a question - "What now for this club? Where will they hide their faces now?"
The newcomers - Newcastle, Brighton and Huddersfield are all out of the bottom three at the moment. While the Magpies have stacked up scrappy, salient and historic wins along the way to reach the magical 40-point mark, Brighton sit on 14th place with 37 points, probably just a win or draw away from safety. The Terriers have recorded 35 points in as many games but may just survive with a victory.
This only implies that quality Premier League sides have dropped their standards and consistency. Stoke City and Sothampton, who would usually occupy the top half of the table convincingly, are ruing over their sorrowful campaigns at the moment. A relegation not only decreases the financial conditions of a club but also degrades its grade and calibre, as the top players choose to leave in order to play in the highest division.
Here are seven conspicuous talents who will opt for the exit doors if their respective side gets relegated -
#1 Jonny Evans(West Bromwich Albion)
It's a no-brainer that Evans will put pen on paper with a reputed Premier League club if the Baggies end up dropping to the Championship. The former Manchester United prospect, who was meant to fill in the boots of the great Rio Ferdinand, faded away due to complacency.
He is now one of the best ball-playing centre-backs in the league and has become the backbone for West Brom. The 30-year-old's energy, ability to read the game, smell danger and stay composed in tough situations sets him apart from the others.
The defender has already proved himself as a youngster in 2009 and in his stint at the Hawthorns. For sure, the man who kept Robert Lewandowski up in wraps in the Euros 2016 is not destined to play in the second tier of English football.
#2 Xherdan Shaqiri(Stoke City)
One must be joking when they say that a team which has Shaqiri in their ranks is facing the music at the bottom. The Swiss international has chipped in with seven goals and six assists this season. Although his performances have dropped notably, one cannot write off his potential and match-winning ability.
With just six wins all season, the Potters' Premier League status is hanging by a thread. Having represented sides like FC Basel, Inter Milan and the great Bayern Munich previously, Shaqiri will surely not stay at the Bet365 if they fail to survive.
Undoubtedly, he is too good to be there. With a low centre of gravity, the 26-year-old has an exceptional ability to flip-flap past defenders or run through a defence. His craft, passing capability and a sharp eye for the spectacular make him a world-class player. Also to add, a player of his proficiency would not want to spend the prime phase of his football career in the Championship.
#3 Oriol Romeu(Southampton)
No one on this planet would have predicted Southampton's current position. With an array of players who possess fantastic adroitness, they should be battling for a Europa League spot. Ranging from Ryan Bertrand, Cedric Soares and Maya Yoshida to Dusan Tadic, Shane Long and Nathan Redmond, the Saints are no short of footballing finesse.
However, going by this season's performances, Oriol Romeu Vidal has arguably been their most important and consistent player. The former Chelsea midfielder dictates the play, makes quick transitions from defence to attack and is one of the most disciplined men in the middle. He embellishes his tackling with sheer gallantry and sharpness.
Romeu often picks and predicts passes quicker than his opposite number and keeps the midfield together. Premier League clubs will surely fight for his signature.
#4 Alfie Mawson(Swansea City)
Despite wrenching Swansea out of trouble, Carlos Carvalhal has work left to do in the closing stages of the tournament. The Swans have steered ahead after his arrival but are still hovering above the bottom three, just one point ahead of 18th placed Southampton.
Alfie Mawson has been a vital cog in their back five, proving his worth down the left-hand side of the three-man defence. He played an impeccable hand in Swansea's back to back victories, over Liverpool and Arsenal, conceding just one goal against those two heavyweights.
The 24-year-old is composed and alert at the back. He wins an average of 3.1 aerial duels, clears the ball just over six times and completes a block every game, which proves why he has stockpiled so much praise. Clubs will surely place bids for this brawny centre-half if the Welsh side stumbles.
#4 Ben Foster(West Bromwich Albion)
Premier League has always boasted the best of goalkeepers around and it would be a shame if a glove man of Ben Foster's enterprise faces the drop. Having kept 71 clean sheets in 286 PL appearances, he is right up there amongst the best in the business. Age is no bar for the Englishman's acrobatics and sharp saves.
He has rescued the Baggies many a time this term with an assortment of prodigious stops. He musters the defence and is capable of making the jaw-dropping saves. Teams in search of a talented, experienced goalkeeper will undoubtedly keep a close eye on him.
#6 Joe Allen(Stoke City)
Joe Allen's services in midfield have been one of the few things to smile about, as far as Stoke City's season is concerned. The Welshman has created ample chances for the likes of Shaqiri, Diouf and Choupo-Moting this season. He is a tireless worker in the middle, someone who never stops running.
With an enviable ability to win the ball back, the former Liverpool midfielder just knows where to be and who to mark. He applies himself effectively, blocks passing lanes and is a fine box to box midfielder. More importantly, he is one of the most versatile players in the PL, who can fit into any system, structure or formation.
He can be played as a box to box man, playmaker, defensive midfielder or as a number 10 in desperate situations. Allen is technically gifted and productive in possession. These aspects of his game will definitely lure teams that are in need of some midfield firepower and depth. Surely, we would want to see the modest 'Welsh Xavi' in the Barclays Premier League.
#7 Dusan Tadic(Southampton)
Dusan Tadic looked to be in total control against the Cherries last time out, as he scored a brace to power the Saints ahead with a 2-1 victory. He is of utmost importance to the club and going into a final couple of fixtures, the Saints will depend on his current form to get over the line.
He dribbles well, creates chances, sets his teammates free, runs into empty channels and strikes them sweetly. He has contributed with six goals and three assists this season. The Serb possesses good technical abilities and is a team man. The rhythm that he has found off late is sure to captivate teams that want to upgrade and revitalize their squad.
On a personal note too, this recent rise in form will attract clubs, who would choose to increase his wages and better his career. If the Saints get demoted to the Championship, the man who replaced Adam Lallana will mostly put an end to his career at St. Mary's.
