EPL relegation is the closest in years... here's the lowdown on the contenders

This relegation scrap is shaping up to be nail-bitingly tight and the points target for survival could prove higher than in recent years.

After 20 games last season, there were seven teams with fewer than 20 points and Brighton in 13th position were a comfortable 10 points clear of the bottom three.

This season at the same stage, only four teams are below 20 points. One of them, West Ham, has played only 19. Crystal Palace in ninth are just nine points clear of danger.

Under-pressure chairmen in the Premier League’s congested lower reaches are wielding the managerial axe in desperation to avoid the drop.

Who can stand the heat?

20th Norwich — 13 points

The survival outlook is bleak. They may have secured a decent point against Spurs on Saturday but Daniel Farke’s team desperately need to start winning if they are to avoid a swift return to the Championship.

They are six points from safety without momentum; have the league’s worst goal difference and are far too easy to open up.

They have been true to their principles, unfortunate with injuries and fun to watch. And they will not forget beating champions Manchester City in a hurry.

19th Watford — 16 points

Appeared to be doomed and resigned to their fate until the appointment of Nigel Pearson and the return from injury of Troy Deeney inspired them to seven points from three games in a week at Christmas.

The miracle might be on for Watford. Pearson — the third head coach of the season at Vicarage Road — has done it before, winning seven of the last nine games to escape with Leicester in 2014-15 and belief is a big part of the battle.

18th Aston Villa — 18 points

Beaten five times in December and suffering as others around them have picked up.

Dean Smith has been unable to replace the goals scored last season by on-loan Tammy Abraham and has been rocked by injuries to key men Tyrone Mings and John McGinn to compound a spate of early-season VAR setbacks.

Jack Grealish continues to impress but requires help. Villa know relegation will plunge them deep into FFP trouble with the Football League.

17th West Ham — 19 points

Just one point above the drop zone and worried enough to sack Manuel Pellegrini in the expectation that David Moyes will make them harder to beat and guide them to safety.

West Ham have become far too easy to beat, losing 10 of their last 14, starting with a 4-0 Carabao Cup defeat at League One Oxford.

They go into the second Moyes era with a crunch game on New Year's Day against Bournemouth and need points on the board before a daunting run of five games which starts on January 22, including Leicester, Manchester City and Liverpool twice.

16th Bournemouth — 20 points

There have been concerned noises from Eddie Howe during a drastic form slump which struck in early November and has been punctuated only by a surprise win at Chelsea.

Injuries continue to deprive Howe of key players as he prepares for the next five fixtures, key relegation games against West Ham (A), Watford (H), Norwich (A), Brighton (H) and Villa (H).

15th Southampton — 22 points

On the climb with 14 points from eight games and 12-goal Danny Ings in prolific form.

Confidence is on the mend after the horrors of October which included a 9-0 home defeat at the hands of Leicester. Ralph Hasenhuttl has slowly put them back together although it is hard to escape the feeling they remain fragile, especially at home where they have won twice in 10 games.

Next month’s reunion with Leicester at the King Power promises to be a good test of progress.

14th Brighton — 23 points

Victory against Bournemouth on Saturday eased the pressure which had been building at the Amex — at least for the time being. Brighton are five points clear of the relegation places.

There have been encouraging moments and more adventurous football under Graham Potter this term and yet after 20 games they are two points worse off than under Chris Hughton at the same stage last season.