West Ham United are pursuing the traditional 40-point target for Premier League survival, currently sitting 18th in the table. The Hammers have shown recent improved form, taking ten points from their last five league matches.
Historically, 40 points has been considered the benchmark for avoiding relegation. However, since the Premier League was reduced to 20 teams, the average points total for the 18th-placed relegated side has been closer to 36 points. Only three clubs have been relegated with 40 or more points in a 38-game season: West Ham in 2002-03 with 42 points, Bolton in 1997-98, and Sunderland in 1996-97, both with 40 points.
Under manager Nuno Espírito Santo, appointed in September, West Ham currently have 24 points. They are three points behind 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, with twelve games remaining in the season. Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley occupy the other two relegation spots.
