With just the festive schedule to go to complete the first half of the 2013-14 Premier League season, the table is really beginning to take shape. There are teams obviously in a relegation scrap - the current bottom four - but there are always a team or two that gets dragged in as the season continues.
Here, Sports Mole analyses some of the mid-table sides who could yet be embroiled in a relegation scrap.
1. West Bromwich Albion
As with the three teams below West Brom in the league, it is all change at the helm. Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Fulham have all changed their manager, and as of last weekend Steve Clarke has been on gardening leave from his position as head coach.
The initial reasoning is clear: The Baggies have not won since November 2 and have lost four in a row in the league. It is the fact that they have got to this point that is the most troubling for them, though. Last season the goals from on-loan Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku kept them more than safe, but the Belgian has not been adequately replaced which has shown up shortcomings in the squad. Victor Anichebe is simply not to the same standard.
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A new manager or head coach could reinvigorate the current squad, but without improvements in key areas they are at risk of being firmly embroiled in a scrap. The question is, do the board gamble on an untested manager or appoint someone with a track record of success against relegation?
SM's verdict: Trouble is likely
2. Norwich City
Norwich City are never far from the relegation discussion, but after a summer in which they brought in the likes of Gary Hooper, Ricky van Wolfswinkel and Leroy Fer, there was hope that a comfortable mid-table position or better was in order this season. It has not quite worked out.
Whether through a lack of cohesion with the new faces or too much respect being shown to the bigger teams, Norwich have been worryingly inconsistent this season. They have been on the wrong end of a number of maulings already - 7-1 to Manchester City, 4-1 to Arsenal and 5-1 to Liverpool, all away from home - but importantly are picking up points from the teams around them.
They have beaten West Ham United, Crystal Palace and West Brom all since November, which has so far kept their heads above water. Chris Hughton also has the backing of the board, which has let him get on with the task in hand - beat the teams at the bottom. So far, their form against the bottom half is keeping them safe, but they will want to pick up some unexpected points if the pressure is not to build.
SM's verdict: Should be safe
3. Cardiff City
The current furore surrounding manager Malky Mackay's reported ultimatum from the Cardiff board is bound to heap added pressure on the club. Vincent Tan is supposedly unhappy with Cardiff's performances and Mackay's use of the transfer budget in their debut Premier League season. A promoted side sitting in 15th with almost half the season gone is a decent return.
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Although Cardiff have won just once in their last six league games, their last three victories have been against Swansea City, Fulham and West Brom - important points that have kept them up with the teams around them. Of the teams in the bottom half, Cardiff also have one of the better sets of games over the Christmas period.
Following Saturday's game at Anfield, from which any point is a bonus, the Welsh side take on Southampton and then Sunderland at home. They have a real chance to get past the 20-point mark that would see them half-way to the magic 40 with 19 still to play.
SM's verdict: They have enough to stay out of trouble
4. Hull City:
Hull started the season on their return to the Premier League very strongly. They did not make too many alterations to the squad in the summer and Steve Bruce managed to use the team spirit that got them promoted last season and turn it into three wins from their first six.
Since those first six games, however, Hull have picked up just nine more points and on current form will continue to slide down the table. They have enough points to stay away from the drop zone for the immediate future, but once those below start nearing the 20-point mark Hull could find themselves in trouble into the New Year.
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Over the Christmas period, Hull take on two of the three teams around them in the bottom half - West Brom and Fulham. Remaining unbeaten in those games is vital, for if they lose then the league gets ever tighter for them. They have been unable to capitalise on their win over Liverpool a few weeks ago and most worryingly will be the failure to beat Palace and Stoke at home. They must improve against the teams near the bottom.
SM's verdict: Look the most likely to be dragged from relative safety into the mire.
Matt Domm
