With [West Ham’s](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-1-1-manchester-united-player-ratings/) recent form causing panic for the teams above them and an additional 36 points up for grabs, this season’s finale could prove more interesting at the lower end of the table as opposed to the top.
West Ham’s North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur – who finished below the Hammers last season – have been dragged into the relegation scrap, which cost Thomas Frank his job yesterday as they parted ways following their 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle United.
Coincidentally, Roberto De Zerbi left Marseille by mutual consent on the same day – sparking suggestions that Tottenham will approach the former Brighton manager for the Head Coach Role.
This weeks night games have certainly raised further questions in the fight for top flight status.
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Wednesday evening’s result could prove pivotal: **Nottingham** **Forest** could only draw against **Wolves**, so now _only have a three point lead over the Hammers._ In the first half their sixteen shots was the most by a Premier league side without scoring, and over the course of the game registered a total of 35 shots, 10 on target. Their next league game is against Liverpool who are chasing a European place.
**Leeds United** are a team in form, having come back from 2-0 down at Chelsea on Tuesday night, to draw level, they have now won two and drawn two in their last six matches. Some testing games against Aston Villa and Manchester City follow, yet the buffer of an impressive 3-1 win over Notts Forest last Friday has helped their cause.
All getting rather interesting with 12 games to go..
**Crystal Palace** and **Brighton** are also two teams that aren’t out of the woods quite yet. Palace finally won on Sunday versus Brighton which has put Fabian Hurzeler firmly under the microscope. Many supporters calling for him to be sacked, yet the Eagles then went onto lose to Burnley who fought hard at Selhurst Park, and came away with a rare victory to close the gap on West Ham to six points.
Brighton also recorded another loss, this time to Aston Villa, meaning they have only managed 3 points in their last six games.
West Ham now shift their focus to Saturday’s FA Cup tie before returning to Premier League action at home to Bournemouth. The Cherries are flying, having taken fourteen points from their last six matches. For Nuno, securing top‑flight safety while mounting a strong cup run would go a long way toward lifting the mood around the club.