The fight for Premier League survival takes another twist

Results this weekend have seen the battle for Premier League survival take yet another twist. With Reading taking a heavy beating at Everton, and Wigan being totally outplayed by Liverpool, the big winners may be QPR. But what could Jay Bothroyd’s late winner mean for Southampton?

Sitting just three points above the drop zone, and ties against Liverpool and Chelsea in prospect in the next three weeks, things on the south coast could look a lot less rosy come the end of the month.

Consistency is something that Mauricio Pochettino’s side is lacking recently. With just four clean sheets to their name in the league this season, a price of 11/4 on the Saints to be playing Championship football next season looks very appealing, especially when you consider a semi-rejuvenated QPR side are 1/4 to go down.

Of their rivals, it is hard to know what to expect of Wigan. Prior to their capitulation against Liverpool, they had managed to avoid defeat in four of their previous six Premier League ties. And with a recent knack of surviving relegation battles, it would take a brave man to write them off on the basis of Saturday’s performance.

Reading were unable to add another impressive comeback to their record at Goodison Park, succumbing to a 3-1 defeat. Brian McDermott has reiterated that his side will fight till then end, citing the fact that the Royals made up late points to claim promotion last season. With some tough ties in prospect, the Berkshire side can be backed at 2/9 to be relegated.

Throw Aston Villa into the mix, with an enigma of a side that contains the quality of Christian Benteke, yet cannot string a run together, the battle for survival looks to be hotting up nicely.

Southampton may be the most fancied for survival at the prices, but they will need to start accruing regular points if they are to avoid being shortened for the drop in the near future.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.