Unfortunately we are sitting ducks for relegation

[Tricky Trevor]

The fact that, most seasons, two of the three promoted are down amongst the deadmen is a big plus. Relegation is not inevitable but is likely at some point. For all the gripers on here SD is still doing an incredible job. Where the system is more important than individual ability. I would be far more concerned were he to leave us.

[warksclaret]

A most remarkable and welcome revival of our team after some adept performances. Todays display was full of passion and effort with all 11 giving their all

I am intrigued as to who will go down, but have a feeling the way Watford, Bournemouth (and to some degree Villa) have been performing that it may require over 40 points to escape relegation

[Rileybobs]

A most remarkable and welcome revival of our team after some adept performances. Todays display was full of passion and effort with all 11 giving their all

I am intrigued as to who will go down, but have a feeling the way Watford, Bournemouth (and to some degree Villa) have been performing that it may require over 40 points to escape relegation

That would require 4 of the 5 teams in 15-19th position to pick up more points per game than they have thus far. Quite unlikely.

[ElectroClaret]

...it may require over 40 points to escape relegation

Really can't see that.
37/38 should be quite sufficient, as usual.

[warksclaret]

I am a pessimist at times. Apart from Norwich all the bottom group have averaged around a point a game so just to continue as they have should give them 38 points. We know Watford and Bournemouth are capable of going on a run-both are capable of 4 wins plus each and a few draws. Villa won 2 of their last 3 games.I hope I am wrong but you could finish on 40 points and finish 18th and get relegated. I think it happened to West Ham once

[Bosscat]

I am a pessimist at times. Apart from Norwich all the bottom group have averaged around a point a game so just to continue as they have should give them 38 points. We know Watford and Bournemouth are capable of going on a run-both are capable of 4 wins plus each and a few draws. Villa won 2 of their last 3 games.I hope I am wrong but you could finish on 40 points and finish 18th and get relegated. I think it happened to West Ham once

38 games: 42points , West Ham United (2002–03)

[tiger76]

We can't totally relax yet,but the points haul from 3 difficult games has given us a better than evens chance of staying up,even if we have a relatively poor run in it's hard not seeing us picking up the points required,2 wins and the odd draw here and there will likely be enough,3 wins and the odd draw will certainly be enough,the teams below us are running out of games,and effectively the bottom 3 have to win 3 games to overtake us,assuming we don't pick any points up over the same period,that's unlikely one of them could hit form,but all 3 no i can't see it,and that's not taking into account the likes of Brighton,who can't buy a win just now,even if it gets to squeaky bumtime our GD is better than most of the teams below us,so i think we can prepare for another season at the top table.

[boatshed bill]

You only have to look at it this way to gauge opinion: we are nearer a Europa place than a relegation spot but nobody is seeing that as a possibility.
I think we will be OK, but only by a whisker

[tim_noone]

You only have to look at it this way to gauge opinion: we are nearer a Europa place than a relegation spot but nobody is seeing that as a possibility.
I think we will be OK, but only by a whisker

Give over bill... a bloody big whisker!

[boatshed bill]

Give over bill... a bloody big whisker!

I certainly hope so, Tim.
Strange division this season, almost anything is possible...
except Liverpool messing up.

[Vegas Claret]

Jay is playing his heart out and will want to make it impossible to justify bringing Barnes back in, Brownhill will put pressure on the midfield - I'm confident we will continue to push on to get the points required.

I'm hoping Jay sticks a 20 yarder in to the top corner in the 93rd minute of the last game to relegate Brighton !

[Cubanclaret]

It is funny seeing how 'sure of themselves' a number of these posters are

I was pretty concerned this season - as I think when we have been bad, we have been truly awful - but we've it a great vein of form now and I'm optimistic about the rest of the season. Jay Rod has made a huge difference.

[Colburn_Claret]

Bookies now have us at 20/1 for relegation. They don't often get it wrong

[houseboy]

I am a pessimist at times. Apart from Norwich all the bottom group have averaged around a point a game so just to continue as they have should give them 38 points. We know Watford and Bournemouth are capable of going on a run-both are capable of 4 wins plus each and a few draws. Villa won 2 of their last 3 games.I hope I am wrong but you could finish on 40 points and finish 18th and get relegated. I think it happened to West Ham once

Its happened 3 times in the 38 game era. West Ham were one you are right. I think Boro might have been another - and Bolton.

[claptrappers_union]

Relegation from the Premier League is inevitable. We need billionaire owners, new stadium, an international fan base and commercial interest.

Relegation could be this season, next season or in 10 years time. But it’ll happen - that’s football

[houseboy]

Never have a I been so delighted to be wrong. Before this run of three games I predicted that we would be lucky to get one point (to be fair with the opposition and the way we had been playing that wasn't an unrealisitc assessment) but to end up with 7 is nothing short of amazing, and it would have been 9 if our lads hadn't been unusually blunt in front of goal yesterday. All of a sudden the season ain't looking all that bad is it? Would I have changed anything? Well maybe just one thing - I would have taken a draw at OT to beat those awful, cheating, soft, arrogant, entitled, North London sh!ts. But I suppose I'm being picky.

[basil6345789]

The way we are playing is impressive. If we maintain it then we will do well. Several individuals have regained confidence and the old team spirit is clearly back to its best. Well done!

[Zlatan]

The way we are playing is impressive. If we maintain it then we will do well. Several individuals have regained confidence and the old team spirit is clearly back to its best. Well done!

does anyone else think it may be down to Drinkwater going...? It's hard to quantify what effect he may have had on the dressing room and in the mentality of some of our players.

Team spirit does look to be back and it's fantastic to see

[Bosscat]

does anyone else think it may be down to Drinkwater going...? It's hard to quantify what effect he may have had on the dressing room and in the mentality of some of our players.

Team spirit does look to be back and it's fantastic to see

Not sure whether its due to Drinkwater leaving but it is certainly tied together in timing isn't it.

The lads can all have a few days off with family etc and come back next week refreshed.

Ready to go again starting at St Marys .....

Come on you Clarets

[ClaretTony]

What we need is dyche to remove his blinkers and use his squad and a change of tactics,not keep plugging away with the same 11 and same tactics, didn't he use to say he likes to mix it up!

Excellent contribution

[ClaretTony]

does anyone else think it may be down to Drinkwater going...?

Not at all

[Safron]

Excellent contribution

Yes he listened didn't he CT,it's all down to me