(Getty)
While Chelsea continue to cruise at the top, it’s getting tight for the defending Premier League champions.
Leicester City, who visit Sevilla for a Champions League knockout stage match in two weeks, are just a few points above relegation after 24 weeks. It’s the worst start to a title defense by any reigning champion at the top level of English football. They haven’t scored yet in 2017.
If Leicester’s scoring woes weren’t enough, three of the league’s bottom four teams earned victories this week. That puts extra pressure on the Foxes to perform at home on Sunday, where they have won the majority of their points this season.
Arsenal losing at Stamford Bridge isn’t a shock, but they really need Arsene Wenger back on the sidelines. The Gunners have two losses halfway through their manager’s four-game ban, and are now a full 12 points behind Chelsea for the league lead.
Let’s take a look at all 20 clubs, with their recent form through Sunday:
1. Chelsea
Points: 59
Record: 19-2-3
Last Five: LWWDW
Next Fixture: Burnley
2. Tottenham Hotspur
Points: 50
Record: 14-8-2
Last Five: WWDDW
Next Fixture: Liverpool
3. Arsenal
Points: 47
Record: 14-5-5
Last Five: DWWLL
Next Fixture: Southampton
4. Liverpool
Points: 46
Record: 13-7-4
Last Five: DDLDL
Next Fixture: Tottenham
5. Manchester City
Points: 49
Record: 15-4-5
Last Five: WLDWW
Next Fixture: Bournemouth
6. Manchester United
Points: 44
Record: 12-9-3
Last Five: WWDDW
Next Fixture: Watford
7. Everton
Points: 40
Record: 11-7-6
Last Five: WWWDW
Next Fixture: Middlesbrough
8. West Bromwich Albion
Points: 36
Record: 10-6-8
Last Five: WLWDW
Next Fixture: West Ham
9. West Ham United
Points: 31
Record: 9-4-11
Last Five: LWWLW
Next Fixture: West Bromwich Albion
10. Watford
Points: 30
Record: 8-6-10
Last Five: LDDWW
Next Fixture: Manchester United
11. Stoke City
Points: 29
Record: 7-8-9
Last Five: WWDDL
Next Fixture: Crystal Palace
12. Burnley
Points: 29
Record: 9-2-13
Last Five: LWLWL
Next Fixture: Chelsea
13. Southampton
Points: 27
Record: 7-6-11
Last Five: LLWLL
Next Fixture: Arsenal
14. Bournemouth
Points: 26
Record: 7-5-12
Last Five: DLDLL
Next Fixture: Manchester City
15. Middlesbrough
Points: 21
Record: 4-9-11
Last Five: DDLDL
Next Fixture: Everton
16. Leicester City
Points: 21
Record: 5-6-13
Last Five: DLLLL
Next Fixture: Swansea City
17. Swansea City
Points: 21
Record: 6-3-15
Last Five: WLWWL
Next Fixture: Leicester City
18. Hull City
Points: 20
Record: 5-5-14
Last Five: LWLDW
Next Fixture: Arsenal
19. Crystal Palace
Points: 19
Record: 5-4-15
Last Five: LLLWL
Next Fixture: Stoke City
20. Sunderland
Points: 19
Record: 5-4-15
Last Five: DLLDW
Next Fixture: Southampton