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Relegation run-in: Remaining fixtures and survival hopes for Burnley, Everton, Leeds and Aston Villa

It's starting to get very tight towards the bottom of the Premier League table again, and that might make for a fascinating relegation run-in.

There has been a huge swing in the Premier League relegation fight, with Burnley turning it on its head with two wins in a week. 

Everton also rose to the ocassion to cut the gap back down to two points with a 1-0 win over Chelsea on the weekend, while Leeds United's efforts fell flat during a 4-0 loss to Manchester City.
Those results have left Burnley and Leeds level on 34 points, although the Clarets climbed above the Yorkshire side due to a superior goal difference. Everton are just two points below, but Frank Lampard's side boast a crucial game in hand.

Norwich were confirmed to be relegated after their loss to Aston Villa this weekend, while it only seems a matter of time until Watford's Championship status is confirmed.

So, let's examine the clubs involved, their remaining fixtures, and their chances of surviving.

Aston Villa

The situation: Aston Villa should be feeling pretty safe right now. The currently sit eight points above the relegation zone on 40 points with five games remaining.

From here you'd have to say that Villa can only be architects of their own downfall. They've managed to hit that magical 40-point mark under Steven Gerrard and should avoid being sucked into the dogfight.

Remaining fixtures

Burnley (A)
Liverpool (H)
Crystal Palace (A)
Burnley (H)
Man City (A)

Run-in rundown: Aston Villa have Burnley to play twice, and that only strengthens the potential for implosion here. If they lose both, that commanding lead over Burnley in the Premier League table will be all but gone.

They did make things slightly less stressful with a home win against Norwich though. But it's far too soon for Gerrard's men to relax.

Leeds

The situation: There is no doubt that Burnley's resurgence is a big worry for Leeds.

The 4-0 loss to league leaders Manchester City saw their position of comfort disintegrate, and they're now level with Burnley, and just two points clear of Everton after both their rivals won this weekend. With just four games to go, it's all to play for.

Remaining fixtures

Arsenal (A)
Chelsea (H)
Brighton (H)
Brentford (A)

Run-in rundown: With difficult fixtures on the horizon, Leeds' task isn't getting any easier. On top of that, Everton and Burnley appear to be digging deep and grinding out results.

The Yorkshire side are in a good run of form of their own, but whether they'll get enough points from their four remaining games is yet to be seen. It's bound to be nervy, and they'll enter huge underdogs against both Arsenal and Chelsea.

Everton

The situation: Had Everton lost to Chelsea on the weekend, their relegation was looking imminent. But Frank Lampard's side rallied when needed, and they've kept their fate in their own hands.

That doesn't mean much at the foot of the table, but Lampard will hope his side can carry the momentum from the Chelsea victory into some slightly easier fixtures.

Remaining fixtures

Leicester (A)
Watford (A)
Brentford (H)
Crystal Palace (H)
Arsenal (A)

Run-in rundown: Having kept themselves in the running despite some incredibly tough fixtures over the last month, now is the time Everton need to be picking up consistent points.

The win against Chelsea was huge to their survival hopes, and with some much more favourable fixtures now on their schedule, Goodison Park can start believing.

Burnley

The situation: In a word: Transformed. The wins over Southampton, Wolves and Watford has hauled them into safety, and even above Leeds.  What's more, they wouldn't swap their fixtures with any of their rivals, and their form has been immaculate under Mike Jackson.

Their superior goal difference could also be huge when it comes to the final standings, with the Clarets faring better than both Leeds and Burnley in that department.

Remaining fixtures

Aston Villa (H)
Tottenham (A)
Aston Villa (A)
Newcastle (H)

Run-in rundown: There is no denying that Burnley appear to be on the cusp of a real opportunity here. The sacking of Sean Dyche came as a surprise, but Jackson has already justified his spot in the hotseat.

Three consecutive wins has changed the whole outlook of the club, and it doesn't look like they'll slow down anytime soon. The two games against Everton will be their biggest tests, and should they come out on top - survival is all-but confirmed.

READ MORE: Sacking managers in the Premier League relegation run-in: How often does it work?

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