Only a few gameweeks remain in the 2025/26 Premier League season. As we reach the business end of the season, some teams are beginning to find form – but not all of them.
Today, we’ll be looking at how the Premier League bottom five would look if the season began on January 1. There are some surprising teams in the mix – can you guess who they are?
16. Sunderland
Sunderland’s return to the top flight has been largely positive, but their form has plummeted since the turn of the year.
Despite a solid win over Leeds United at Elland Road in their last league game, they have only won three of out 11 games since January 1.
Additionally, the Black Cats fell to an ignominous defeat in the FA Cup at the hands of League One bottom club Port Vale in their most recent match. With 40 points on the board, they’re effectively safe from relegation, but it’s a shame to see such a promising campaign petering out into a damp squib.
17. Leeds United
Leeds United have been flirting with the relegation zone all season – they look to be out of the mix at the moment, but their poor form could easily see them getting dragged back in.
The Whites’ away form in 2026 has been particularly lacklustre – they have yet to win away from home this year. They haven’t been much better at Elland Road, having won just two of their six of home games in 2026.
Leeds are just three points off the drop zone – it’s unlikely, but they could certainly suffer relegation at the end of the season if they fail to improve upon their current form.
18. Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest have had a dismal season – after qualifying for the Europa League last season, a turbulent campaign has seen the Trees burning through no less than four permanent head coaches.
Despite picking up an impressive draw away at Manchester City last time out, Forest have only won two games since January 1.
It remains to be seen if Forest will put a run of form together under the stewardship of Vitor Peirera – and if, indeed, he will even see out the season.
19. Burnley
Burnley look like a doomed outfit at the moment. With just one win in 2026 and being nine points from safety, the Clarets are likely preparing for life back in the Championship at this stage.
Despite boasting such a strong defensive record in the second tier last season, no team in the Premier League has conceded more goals than Burnley have this season.
On top of this, they’re also among the lowest scorers in the division – with 32 goals to their name, only Forest have scored fewer than this (28).
20. Tottenham Hotspur
If you’ve been following the Premier League closely over the last few months, Tottenham Hotspur’s placement in this list should come as no surprise.
The Lilywhites are the only club in the Premier League who have yet to win a league game since the turn of the year, with four draws and seven losses – including four defeats at home.
Should Spurs suffer relegation, it would be unprecedented in the Premier League era – currently, they’re just one point off the drop zone.