Sizing up the Premier League table: Boxing Day and the 15-point rule

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LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 16: Antonio Conte manager / head coach of Chelsea with Gary Cahill of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge on December 16, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

11. Huddersfield Town: 23 Points, 6-5-9, -1 place, Possible Finish: 4th-20th

Huddersfield is in virtually the same position as Brighton. Few expected them to have much chance of staying up, yet both had strong starts to the season which are still sustaining them through their recent down period. Both clubs will just be happy to be in the Premier League, closer to the middle than the bottom. They will have to improve if they are to stay up, but they will also be happier to be where they are than many Premier League staples.

12. Brighton & Hove Albion: 21 Points, 5-6-9, -4 places, Possible Finish: 4th-20th

Many watchers expected Brighton to struggle this season, which is why their strong early season was so impressive. The recent slide, which is one of the league’s worst drops, is really more about reverting to form than anything else.

They may have done enough in the first half to stay up but they will need to start gathering points again soon to do so. The last 19 matches will be a slog for them but the signs are positive for them staying in the Premier League.

13. Southampton: 19 Points, 4-7-9, No Change, Possible Finish: 5th-20th

Southampton still struggle mightily to score. The results have not been there, but the one that stung the most was the 4-1 loss to Leicester City. Southampton fired Claude Puel for managing a team that struggled to score. Turns out that was just Southampton.

Puel fought off all the criticism after his appointment at Leicester to get his revenge. Southampton sit with Stoke in the middle of the table where nothing really matters and everyone forgets they are in the league.

14. Stoke City: 20 Points, 5-5-10, No Change, Possible Finish: 5th-20th

At the time of writing, Mark Hughes still has a job after winning what was touted as a must-not-lose-or-you-will-be-sacked type of game. He may not stay around much longer as their defense, something that should be stereotypically Stoke, has been somewhere between leaky and absolutely porous.

They are missing an edge and are treading water despite everything else, and Hughes is currently on a short leash. He needs to turn things around before the team gets dragged into the scrap at the bottom.

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