EPL 2017/18: Five biggest contenders for relegation

With Christmas, and the turn of fixtures quickly approaching, in this slideshow I will be taking a look at which teams, I believe, are looking most likely to take the plunge.

I know it's early to make such statements and predictions, but this is the time of year when the Premier League table truly starts to take shape.

#5 West Ham United

West Ham have had an awful start to the season, to the surprise of many considering their performance in the summer transfer window.

With the likes of Joe Hart, Marco Arnautovic, Javier Hernandez and Pablo Zabaleta joining the Hammers, there is no doubt that bigger things were expected of the club. With Hernandez having only netted four times this term and Arnautovic yet to register a single goal OR an assist, to say they've been disappointing would be an understatement. Oh and just to top it off, Hart has as many assists as Manuel Lanzini and Aaron Cresswell. Unfortunately for him, he has also conceded 26 goals in 13 Premier League appearances.

I, along with many others, believe West Ham have just enough to stay afloat this season. With the squad they've got, to get relegated would be shambolic, to say the least. Having said that, being in the relegation zone coming up to Christmas is never ideal, and some teams can never find their way out.

#4 Stoke City

Shaqiri will need to inspire Stoke

Although Stoke are currently sitting in 15th position and are looking better than the other clubs, I can't help but have a negative feeling towards their fate come May. The Potters have only managed one win in their last five; five games which include a 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth, and a 2-1 loss away to Crystal Palace in a game which saw them take the lead, and lose in the 92nd minute.

Their defence has been inconsistent of late, and without one prolific striker in the squad, Stoke could be in quite a bit of trouble.

Summer signings like Jese and Choupo-Moting have failed to hit the ground running so far, which has affected their start to the campaign. Stoke also still have to play Liverpool, Spurs, Burnley and Chelsea before the turn of the year.

Similar to West Ham, the Potters, on paper, have what it takes to survive the season, but their activity in the January transfer market could prove vital.

#3 Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have only recently managed to put points on the board

Despite the fact they are starting to put points on the board, along with a vast improvement in their performances, Palace remain contenders for the drop. Considering they have been rock bottom for the majority of the season, it's clear the Eagles are in some form of trouble.

Especially when it takes nine league games to register a goal, let alone a win! They have already lost vital games at home to both, Huddersfield and Swansea, games you would expect to win.

Luckily, Roy Hodgson has injected some life and confidence into Selhurst Park, something that has not been present for the majority of the campaign. With an important run of fixtures ahead, Palace desperately need to pick up some points in must-win games before the turn of the year.

Being only three points adrift, and a good run of fixtures ahead, the Eagles are not in as much trouble as people seem to anticipate. With an experienced manager, a very talented squad, and the January transfer window just around the corner, it's not all bad over at SE25.

#2 Huddersfield Town

Wagner does not have adequate depth in the side

This choice may surprise a few people, and I understand why. Huddersfield have started a lot better than most people would have expected, but only six points separate the Terriers and bottom club Crystal Palace. It seems like they are in a good position, but those of us who know the Premier League understand that six points can easily be made up.

Huddersfield's side isn't packed with the talent that the teams around them possess, but that could work in their favour. They have a very capable manager and a good fan base, but I would still have the threat of relegation on my mind if I were a Town fan. Their last four games of the season are against Chelsea, Everton, Man City, and Arsenal so if Huddersfield haven't accumulated a sufficient number of points come May, they could be in serious trouble.

#1 Swansea City

Abraham has carried Swansea thus far but how long can he continue doing so?

Out of all of the teams discussed today, I feel like Swansea have the hardest task of staying afloat. They currently sit in 19th position, just above Crystal Palace on goal difference. They have a very important match against Stoke City on Saturday which could prove vital.

Both teams need a win, but a win for the Swans would see them jump to 17th; only a point behind Stoke. Despite a young Tammy Abraham coming into the side and netting four times this term, their failure to replace Llorente and Sigurdsson has proved to be their downfall. Those two proved to be the difference between staying up and relegation last season, and without the two, Swansea are struggling.

They re-signed Wilfried Bony but he is yet to register a goal this season.

Swansea also face West Brom and Everton in December. These games will all prove pivotal in their chances of survival, even though it's still early in the campaign. There are still many teams who are in the battle to stay up, but if Swansea can't find the right signings in January, things do not look too good for them.