Premier League Relegation Battle: Leeds, Wolves, and West Ham Among Clubs Fighting for Survival

It’s still early in the Premier League relegation battle, but this weekend could prove crucial. Burnley take on Leeds, Sunderland host Wolves, and Brentford travel to West Ham, three matches that could have a big impact on the fight for survival.

Only nine points separate Sunderland in ninth place from Wolves at the bottom of the table, showing just how quickly fortunes can change in the top flight. Every point matters for the teams trying to avoid the drop after mixed starts to the 2025/26 season.

Turf Moor could be key to Burnley’s survival hopes

Scott Parker’s Burnley side have shown glimpses of their ability to stay up, but their clash with Leeds on Saturday is one they must take points from.

Their home victory over Sunderland in August, an impressive result given how strong the Black Cats have been on their Premier League return, should serve as a blueprint. Turf Moor needs to become a fortress if Burnley are to secure their top-flight status.

So far this season, Burnley have faced a tough run of home fixtures against champions Liverpool, Europa League contenders Nottingham Forest, and Sunderland.

Three games, four points, and just two goals conceded, that’s an encouraging start. Most of their struggles have come away from home, with four of their five defeats and 80 per cent of their goals conceded happening on the road.

Beating other newly-promoted teams is often key to staying in the Premier League, but making the most of home advantage against Daniel Farke’s Leeds could be just as important. A win would cut the gap to a single point and could define their season.

However, a defeat would risk leaving them behind both Sunderland and Leeds, especially with tough fixtures against Arsenal and Chelsea coming up.

Optimism building at Leeds, but results still needed

Leeds United have shown that Daniel Farke’s physically strong, hard-working side can challenge almost anyone in the Premier League. They’ve collected eight points from seven matches, three of which were against teams currently in the top four.

Performances, especially at Elland Road, have given fans real hope that survival is within reach. But Leeds have already let crucial points slip away, a habit they can’t afford to continue.

Gabriel Gudmundsson’s unlucky own goal at Fulham, a lapse in concentration that allowed Bournemouth’s stoppage-time equaliser, and two deflected goals for Tottenham have all cost them valuable points. These are the fine margins that could define their season.

Some of those moments come down to the players still adjusting to Premier League quality, and Leeds have shown enough promise to suggest those issues will improve, but it makes matches against fellow relegation rivals even more important.

Next up is a trip to Burnley. The positive atmosphere around Leeds will continue if they can secure a third league win, but a loss or even a frustrating draw could shift the mood and raise fresh questions about their campaign.

Win could offer Wolves hope under Pereira

Despite taking the lead in each of their last three Premier League matches, Wolves are still searching for their first victory of the season and sit bottom of the table. A defeat to Sunderland on Saturday would only deepen the sense that this might be the year they finally go down.

Vítor Pereira lost several key players over the summer, and his six new signings from abroad have made a mixed impact so far. Ladislav Krejci has impressed, but doubts remain about the overall strength of the squad, and frustration among fans is growing.

A win against Sunderland would be a huge boost, it would make Wolves four games unbeaten in all competitions and close the gap between the sides to six points. But if they lose and fall 12 points behind their hosts, it could be difficult to recover.

Sunderland confidence at stake ahead of Wolves clash

Sunderland’s four-game unbeaten run came to an end against Manchester United, but they still sit in the top half of the table after a strong start to their Premier League return.

Their only other loss came against Burnley, and another defeat to a relegation rival like Wolves would be a setback before a tough run of fixtures against Chelsea, Everton, and Arsenal.

Granit Xhaka, now 33, has brought leadership and control to Sunderland’s midfield, proving to be an excellent summer signing. His experience has been vital in helping the team settle, and early signs suggest Sunderland could aim higher than just survival this season.

However, a win over Wolves is crucial if they are to maintain that belief and build momentum.

Not quite a ‘must-win’, but West Ham need results

Calling West Ham’s home game against Brentford a “must-win” might be a stretch, but it certainly feels like a season-defining moment. Lose, and the downward spiral continues. Draw, and the stagnation drags on. Win, and West Ham might finally breathe again after months of pressure.

The Hammers are without a home Premier League victory in eight games, their longest run without a win since moving to the London Stadium. That poor form played a major role in Graham Potter’s departure, and the atmosphere around the club has grown increasingly tense.

That’s why the board felt a change in direction was necessary. When you’re deep in a relegation battle, you can’t afford to focus on “build-up principles” or “underlying numbers” it’s about fighting for every point.

Nuno Espírito Santo brings exactly that: a pragmatic, no-nonsense approach built on resilience. It might not always be exciting, but it’s what West Ham need right now, results.