In what looks like being one of the closest-fought battles to avoid the drop in years, just 10 points separates bottom club West Ham (8/13 to go down) and Bolton in seventh so, realistically, any three from 13 or 14 clubs could end up in the Championship next term.

And with the likes of Liverpool, Everton (33/1) and Aston Villa (4/1) on that list, could 2011 see a real shock with one of those three slipping into the second tier?

The Hammers appeared to have turned a corner following wins over Fulham and Wolves and a draw against Everton, but their 5-0 drubbing at the hands of rejuvenated Newcastle (9/1) has landed Avram Grant’s men right back in it.

Wolves were bottom ahead of Wednesday’s games but they have given themselves a huge lift with two wholly unexpected victories over Liverpool and Chelsea over the festive period to leave Mick McCarthy’s side in 17th but still level on points with Wigan and Aston Villa below them.

Gerard Houllier still apparently retains the backing of owner Randy Lerner at Villa Park but results have generally been dire since the Frenchman took over and the fans are growing restless as they view what appears to be a sinking ship under the former Liverpool boss’ tutelage.

Which brings us nicely on to the Reds. If Houllier is under pressure then Roy Hodgson must be suffocating with the weight of expectation and strain currently being felt at Anfield.

The dismal home defeat against Wolves was followed up by a morale-boosting win over Bolton on New Year’s Day, but that good work was swiftly undone by a shocking performance and 3-1 defeat at Blackburn on Wednesday.

Surely the experienced coach is on borrowed time? Now only a fine run of results will save him from the sack and, quite possibly, Liverpool from being caught up in their first-ever relegation scrap in the Premier League.

Everton’s 2-1 win over Spurs has given David Moyes’ side (33/1) a four-point cushion from the drop zone but the Blues’ inconsistency this season means they could easily get dragged into a dog fight come April as well, while West Brom (13/5), Fulham (7/2), Birmingham and Wigan (3/4) will need to call on all their experience of previous survival battles to ensure safety.

Blackpool (13/5) have been one of the stories of the campaign but a 2-1 reverse at home to Birmingham (3/1) last time out means Ian Holloway’s men are also just four points off the bottom three and they could yet get dragged into trouble despite their eye-catching performances and results in 2010.

So it’s shaping up to be a real battle for several sides hoping to retain their top-flight status over the coming months, while one or two of the so-called big boys may just be beginning to ponder the unthinkable.

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With just 12 points accumulated from 17 games – and with only four goals scored away from Upton Park this season – all signs point to the Championship for the Hammers at the minute and their next two fixtures are tricky away games to Blackburn and Fulham.

Rumours are rife that time is running out for Grant, who went to the East End this summer following Gianfranco Zola’s departure and newly-sacked ex-Newcastle boss Chris Hughton reported to be favourite to replace Grant if the axe does indeed fall.

New Toon boss Alan Pardew oversaw his first victory at St James’ Park at the weekend over Liverpool. However, with the dressing room angered by Hughton’s departure and widespread fan resentment of owner Mike Ashley, Pardew’s honeymoon may come to an abrupt end.

Pardew’s credentials in the top flight are not wholly desirable – he does not have too much Premier League managerial experience – and dark days could yet return to the newly-promoted Toon Army who are still 11/2 to be relegation.

Meanwhile, Wolves face an uphill struggle to stayout of the relegation zone, despite registering a much needed 1-0 victory over Birmingham at the weekend. Mick McCarthy’s side have already leaked 30 goals this season, the same number as West Ham, and look prime candidates for the drop unless they sort out their defensive frailties. (Wolves 3/4 to be relegated)

Wigan (7/10) and Fulham are both tied on 16 points above West Ham and Wolves and have talent. If Charles N’Zogbia continues his scintillating form, Roberto Martinez’s side will climb out of the relegation zone.

Wigan host Aston Villa next Saturday and then face a crunch game against relegation rivals Wolves the following weekend. Martinez would love to gain four points or more from those fixtures.

Fulham’s season (7/2 to go down) has started in stark contrast to life under former boss Roy Hodgson. Mark Hughes has had his work cut out since arriving at Craven Cottage and will be well aware of their precarious position above the drop zone.

Speaking after this weekend’s goalless draw with Sunderland, Hughes commented: “It only takes one win.”

However, with an away trip to Liverpool next weekend, this season’s draw masters will be targeting the Boxing Day fixture at home to West Ham as the win to turn their season around. Another draw in that fixture and Sparky Hughes may have to make some changes come January or risk being out of a job come May.

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