With nine matches to go, the relegation scrap in the Premier League has never been this tight.

Huddersfield Town find themselves locked in a battle to beat the drop with 12 other teams, with just nine points separating ninth from 19th in the top-flight table.

If that wasn't enough, many of the bottom-half sides still have to face each other this season, with Town six of the teams around them in the relegation run-in.

To get the low-down on their rivals for the drop, we asked journalists from around the country to give us there assessment of their local side and nominate who they think will be the three teams caught by the relegation trapdoor this season.

Here's what they had to say...

Watford's Troy Deeney and Juan Camilo Zuniga celebrate a Barclay's Premier League win this season.
Watford's Troy Deeney and Juan Camilo Zuniga celebrate a Barclay's Premier League win this season.

Watford - Matt Storey, Hertfordshire Mercury

Position: 9

Points: 36

Remaining fixtures: Arsenal, Liverpool, Bournemouth, Burnley, Huddersfield, Crystal Palace, Tottenham, Newcastle, Man Utd

How is your team's form heading into the run-in?

Watford's form has really picked up since Javi Gracia replaced Marco Silva in January - although it has hardly been scintillating stuff.

They have taken ten points from his five league games in charge, after taking five from the final 11 under Silva. They disposed of Chelsea and ground out home victories over Everton and West Brom.

Only Man City, Spurs, Liverpool and Brighton have managed more points in that time and it's seen the gap between the Hornets and the bottom three extend to nine points.

Like I said, it has not been thrilling to watch (Chelsea aside) but three clean sheets in that run speak volumes for the organisation and work ethic that Gracia has instilled in the team.

Are the fans optimistic of maintaining Premier League status?

Yes. I think that fans are incredibly confident and talk of relegation has all but disappeared.

That certainly was not the case two weeks ago, ahead of their two huge home games, but I think you'd struggle to find a Watford fan who thinks they'll be a Championship side next year.

Are you optimistic?

Again, definitely. Watford have 36 points, the gap to the bottom three is nine points and Bournemouth, Burnley, Crystal Palace and Newcastle all have to visit Vicarage Road.

They only need a victory and a draw from them to reach 40 points, but 37 or 38 should be enough this time around so they are almost there.

Gracia has done a brilliant job of stopping the freefall and getting the best out of an injury-hit squad. He deserves a lot of credit.

Who do you think will go down this season?

We made some predictions during the two-week break for the FA Cup fifth round and I said West Brom, Southampton and Huddersfield would go down.

I still think the first two will (and surprisingly was the only one of our team who said Saints would be relegated) but Stoke have a tough run-in and can't seem to turn draws into wins, so I'll go for them instead of the Terriers.

Brighton & Hove Albions' Glenn Murray scores his team's second goal against AFC Bournemouth.
Brighton & Hove Albions' Glenn Murray scores his team's second goal against AFC Bournemouth.

Brighton and Hove Albion - Andy Taylor, The Argus

Position: 10

Points: 34

Remaining fixtures: Everton, Man City, Leicester, Huddersfield, Crystal Palace, Tottenham, Burnley, Man Utd, Liverpool

How is your team's form heading into the run-in?

Best of the season. They are seven games unbeaten, a run which includes reaching the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

They are still not conceding many goals and they are now scoring freely as well.

Are the fans optimistic of maintaining Premier League status?

Yes, after the signature home win against Arsenal. They were the only club not to take any points off the top six before that. With four of them still to play in a tough finish, supporters are relived to be seven points clear of the relegation zone.

Are you optimistic?

Very. A win and a draw from the last nine games should be enough. The home form is strong – only Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea have won at the Amex.

Who do you think will go down this season?

West Brom, it pains me to say Stoke (as a lifelong supporter) and Southampton or Crystal Palace.

Said with little confidence. It is so tight, I keep changing my mind!

Sam Allardyce poses for a photo after being unveiled as Everton FC boss at Finch Farm.
Sam Allardyce poses for a photo after being unveiled as Everton FC boss at Finch Farm.

Everton - Joe Rimmer, Liverpool Echo

Position: 11

Points: 34

Remaining fixtures: Brighton, Stoke, Manchester City, Liverpool, Swansea, Newcastle, Huddersfield, Southampton, West Ham

How is your team's form heading into the run-in?

Not so great.. Everton have been abysmal away from home. They've won just once in over 12 months on the road and the Toffees' last defeat, at Burnley, was shambolic.

At home it's a different story. Everton have beaten Leicester and Crystal Palace in recent weeks. The home form should easily be enough to keep the Blues away from the bottom three.

Are the fans optimistic of maintaining Premier League status?

Yes, I don't think there's any belief from supporters that the Toffees will go down.

Are they optimistic in general? No. But Sam Allardyce will do that to you.

Fans are very frustrated because Farhad Moshiri's bright vision for the future hasn't materialised and they have been left with a manager that the fans never wanted and have also made some awful signings.

Are you optimistic?

About Everton avoiding the drop? Absolutely. They have a decent cushion and there are just too many other candidates right now.

For the future? Not so much. I think that Moshiri needs to do a lot more to win back the trust of supporters after some dreadful decisions recently.

Who do you think will go down this season?

West Brom are as good as gone... Then it changes by the week.

My gut says Huddersfield, but I now have a sneaky feeling that they will pick up enough points to survive. Newcastle have a top manager and I think he will make sure they stay up. Swansea have momentum. Southampton surely have too much quality.

So that leaves the two currently occupying the last two places, Crystal Palace and Stoke. Neither side inspire you with too much confidence and don't exactly have managers capable of motivating them.

Huddersfield Town's Mathias 'Zanka' Jorgensen battles for the ball with AFC Bournemouth's Callum Wilson.
Huddersfield Town's Mathias 'Zanka' Jorgensen battles for the ball with AFC Bournemouth's Callum Wilson.

AFC Bournemouth - Ned Payne, Bournemouth Echo

Position: 12

Points: 33

Remaining fixtures: Tottenham, West Brom, Watford, Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Manchester United, Southampton, Swansea, Burnley

How is your team's form heading into the run-in?

Aside from one bad day at Huddersfield, Bournemouth’s form since Christmas has been very good.

Eddie Howe’s men have beaten Arsenal and Chelsea and have found the net in 10 Premier League games in a row – a club record.

Are the fans optimistic of maintaining Premier League status?

Most fans seem fairly optimistic. As much as the gap is only six points, there are a lot of other teams involved, many of which have worse run-ins than Bournemouth.

The team is playing well and that has fuelled a positive feeling among supporters.

Are you optimistic?

I think Bournemouth will be okay. They are on 33 points so two more wins will do it.

Two victories in nine games – considering how they have been playing – should not prove a problem.

Who do you think will go down this season?

The current bottom three – West Brom, Stoke and Crystal Palace.

Andy King celebrates with Andre Ayew after scoring Swansea's third against West Ham

Swansea City - Andrew Gwilym - Media Wales

Position: 13

Points: 30

Remaining fixtures: Huddersfield, Southampton, Manchester United, West Brom, Everton, Manchester City, Chelsea, Bournemouth, Stoke

How is your team's form heading into the run-in?

Excellent. Since Carlos Carvalhal’s appointment Swansea have the fifth-best record in the Premier League. They have already amassed more points under the Portuguese in nine games (17) than they had managed in the previous 20 (13).

Defeat to Brighton was a disappointment, but they bounced back in emphatic fashion against West Ham and the turnaround Carvalhal has overseen has been every bit as remarkable, if not more, than that under Paul Clement 12 months ago.

Are the fans optimistic of maintaining Premier League status?

There is a growing sense of optimism, but I don’t think any Swansea fan sees this being sorted out in a straightforward manner, their side rarely do things the easy way.

The concern for supporters will be that after taking 17 points from 27, they still only have a three-point cushion.

But, compared to the doom and gloom and sense of resignation felt following the 5-0 hiding at Anfield just before Carvalhal’s arrival, there has been a major shift in mood.

Are you optimistic?

Yes, far more optimistic than I or anyone with a vested interest in Swansea could have possibly expected to feel after a wretched first half of the campaign.

It is going to come down to whether Swansea can find a way to maintain their form, because the margins are such that a dip will put them in significant danger.

They have won four in a row at home, and their remaining games at the Liberty Stadium include Southampton, Stoke and Everton which provides plenty of reason to believe they can get the points haul required.

There are a lot of twists and turns to come - I certainly don’t see Swansea just waltzing clear of trouble - but they are the form side in the bottom half of the table.

At this stage all the momentum seems to be with them, if they keep it up they will be safe.

Who do you think will go down this season?

West Brom’s situation looks increasingly desperate and it is becoming hard to see how they are going to get out of it.

I had always felt Stoke would get out of it, but recent incidents like Charlie Adam’s missed penalty against Brighton and Jack Butland’s error against Leicester have made me think otherwise.

Trying to pick the other spot is fiendishly difficult. Palace are struggling but I look at Huddersfield’s goal difference and wonder if that might just prove their undoing in the final analysis.

Marko Arnautovic

West Ham United - Sam Inkersole, Football.London

Position: 14

Points: 30

Remaining fixtures: Burnley, Man Utd (date tbc), Southampton, Chelsea, Stoke, Arsenal, Man City, Leicester, Everton

How is your team's form heading into the run-in?

Pretty poor. West Ham have lost four of their last six games, have only two further games this month thanks to the FA Cup and international break and have a brutal April where they will play Man City, Arsenal and Chelsea.

Plus, their re-arranged game against Man Utd has yet to be sorted out - they have the second hardest run-in according to the stats.

Getting battered 4-1 by Liverpool and Swansea over the last two games has done little to easy any worries, especially that Swansea result which was by far the worst of the season.

Are the fans optimistic of maintaining Premier League status?

There is real worry the club could go down this season with the recent run of form and the upcoming fixtures previously mentioned.

The club seemed to have turned a corner, going seven unbeaten in December and January, but old habits have come back to bite them in the backside and the concerns over appointing David Moyes in the first place are rearing their head again.

It's fair to say the fans see this weekends game against Burnley and the Southampton game on the 31st are enormously important.

Especially that Saints game, it's a real relegation six-pointer (sorry for the cliche but it just is!)

Video Loading

Are you optimistic?

I am, yes. We have seen the Hammers pick up points against the big teams - they've beaten Chelsea once already this season, drew with Arsenal and Spurs - so aside from the Man City game in April, they could spring a surprise somewhere.

If they lose one of the next two games however then I might not be so optimistic.

Moyes has got a real job on his hands as he had managed to get the players up to near their potential, only for them to somehow regress since getting knocked out of the FA Cup in January by Wigan.

Who do you think will go down this season?

West Brom are doomed, if they stick with Alan Pardew then they might as well wave the white flag already but I doubt even a change of manager could get them out of the mess they are in.

Stoke as well I think will go down, despite their imrpvement under Paul Lambert, they have just left themselves too much to do and should end the season in the drop zone.

The final place? That is anyone's guess. Crystal Palace played so well against Man Utd on Monday and were unlucky to lose, if they play like that then they can survive.

West Ham obviously need to arrest this dire run they are on and can easily be a candidate to go down if they don't. Huddersfield are struggling too, I can't see Newcastle going down.

If I stuck my neck out...Huddersfield.

Huddersfield Town celebrate scoring their second goal against Manchester United.
Huddersfield Town celebrate scoring their second goal against Manchester United.

Huddersfield Town -Rory Benson, Huddersfield Examiner

Position: 15

Points: 30

Remaining fixtures: Swansea, Crystal Palace, Newcastle, Brighton, Watford, Chelsea, Everton, Man City, Arsenal

How is your team's form heading into the run-in?

Up and down. Although Town's form has picked up since the awful spell of results midway through the season, Town's recent matches have included losses to Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

But wins over Bournemouth and West Brom in the league - and Birmingham City in the cup- have changed the complexion of Town's form heading into the run-in.

Now there is belief they can continue their positive momentum and pickup points from the teams around them in the upcoming weeks.

Are the fans optimistic of maintaining Premier League status?

Cautiously optimistic. Town fans won't take anything for granted and although the Terriers have some winnable fixtures on the horizon, there will be no celebrations in Huddersfield until mathematical safety is achieved.

Should they stay up however, it will be pandemonium in West Yorkshire.

Are you optimistic?

I predicted Town to stay up at the start of the season and I still think they will.

Town only need 10 points from nine matches to hit the 40-point mark and I believe they will pick up at least four in their next two outings, which are both at home to relegation rivals.

I'd also point out what a remarkable achievement it would be for David Wagner's side who were all but written off at the start of the season.

Who do you think will go down this season?

West Brom are dead and buried, but the next two are so tough to call.

I think Southampton and Stoke will be down there and I worry about Newcastle - although the Rafa Benitez-factor may well keep them in the division.

Newcastle United's Manager Rafael Benitez Premier League Football Huddersfield Town v Newcastle United 20/08/17 (Pic by John Rushworth) Football Images are covered by DataCo licence agreements. For Editorial Use Only No Free Use permitted.

Newcastle United - Mark Douglas, Newcastle Chronicle

Position: 16

Points: 29

Remaining fixtures: Southampton, Tottenham, Huddersfield, Leicester, Arsenal, Everton, West Brom, Watford, Chelsea

How is your team's form heading into the run-in?

Solid but unspectacular. Since the last week of December Newcastle's only defeats have come at the hands of Man City (twice), Chelsea and Liverpool.

They have picked up crucial wins against West Ham, Stoke and Manchester United but they've drawn too many games - coughing up two points with a late collapse against Bournemouth and sharing the spoils in winnable games at home against Swansea, Brighton and Burnley (who were horribly out of form and injury-hit when they came to St James' Park).

They are digging in to try and get over the line, but it's not been pretty or particularly confidence-boosting.

Are the fans optimistic of maintaining Premier League status?

Any confidence rests on the fact that Rafa Benitez's demeanour is unflinching. His experience and tactical acumen make everyone feel better, but you'll be hard pressed to find someone who isn't nursing some worry that they'll go down for the third time in 10 years.

Tyneside is always edgy and they have some tough games in the run-in, not least a daunting trip to Spurs. Two huge home games against Southampton and Huddersfield are coming up - with a three-week break in between - and the mood will be dictated by what happens in those two.

A win on Saturday against the Saints calms everyone down.

Are you optimistic?

They are a united, hard-working group who know they're in a dog fight and will roll their sleeves up to get out of it. They fight for everything and that's a big plus.

I think they'll have enough if they can get Islam Slimani fit enough to play and avoid any serious injuries. It's been so tight all year - it's been a dreadfully tense, thoroughly unenjoyable season - that it could turn on the smallest of things.

Jamaal Lascelles should have seen red for his late challenge on Mo Salah at Anfield and if he had, Newcastle would have been facing their biggest game of the season without their two best players (the other, Jonjo Shelvey, is out for the foreseeable future). As it is, he'll be available and that's a big plus.

They should do it - just - but I wouldn't put my house on them staying up.

Who do you think will go down this season?

West Brom are gone, Stoke are wobbling and I think West Ham - who have the look of Newcastle's talented but feckless 2016 group - could be pulled back into it.

If Newcastle beat Southampton on Saturday they're in big trouble - and the same applies if the result is reversed.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 23: Charlie Austin of Southampton celebrates with teammate James Ward-Prowse after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Huddersfield Town at St Mary's Stadium on December 23, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Southampton - Adam Leitch, Daily Echo

Position: 17

Points: 28

Remaining fixtures: Newcastle, West Ham, Arsenal, Swansea (date tbc), Chelsea, Leicester, Bournemouth, Everton, Manchester City

How is your team's form heading into the run-in?

There has been a slight upturn in form and results generally since the turn of the year, and Saints are certainly not losing too many games.

The bigger issue has been getting wins and significant points on the board, and that is the big challenge for them if they are to survive.

Are the fans optimistic of maintaining Premier League status?

The fans have tried to stick by the team, but it has been hard given how poor some of the results have been at St Mary's this season.

There seems to be a section of supporters who are almost resigned to relegation, but given the way the table is it is a long way from a foregone conclusion.

Indeed, despite winning only five league games all season, Saints still sit outside the bottom three as things stand.

Are you optimistic?

I think that they will stay up, but it is going to be very close.

Saints have Newcastle and West Ham in their next two league games, before things get quite a bit harder in the run-in, and the results of those matches will be key.

The chances of Saints pulling away from it and being comfortable in the final weeks seem very slim now, so it will be a case of if they can get their noses above water and stay there.

Who do you think will go down this season?

West Brom, Crystal Palace and Huddersfield.

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson during the Carabao Cup third round match at Selhurst Park

Crystal Palace - Tashan Deniran, Football.London

Position: 18

Points: 27

Remaining fixtures: Chelsea, Huddersfield, Liverpool, Bournemouth, Brighton, Watford, Leicester, Stoke, West Brom

How is your team's form heading into the run-in?

After looking doomed for the drop at the beginning of the season, there was a mid-season revival to provide supporters with hope of avoiding relegation.

Although we've suffered three defeats on the spin and haven't won since early January.

Are the fans optimistic of maintaining Premier League status?

I'd say it's mixed. Some are convinced we will go down, while others believe we will have enough to stay up.

Are you optimistic?

Yes. I'm in the latter camp and the first 54 minutes against Manchester United in the week strengthened my belief even further.

Plus the return of Wilfried Zaha will be a game-changer once again.

Despite two of our next three games being against Chelsea and Liverpool - fixtures in which we have good memories of in the past - the bottom of the table is so tight and we just need to avoid being cut adrift as the remaining six games after that are all winnable.

Who do you think will go down this season?

This is really tough! West Brom certainly, I'll stick my neck on the line and say Huddersfield Town and Stoke City to complete the trio.

Stoke City's Xherdan Shaqiri is tackled by West Ham United's Michail Antonio during the recent Premier League clash.
Stoke City's Xherdan Shaqiri is tackled by West Ham United's Michail Antonio during the recent Premier League clash.

Stoke City - Martin Spinks, Stoke Sentinel

Position: 19

Points: 27

Remaining fixtures: Man City, Everton, Arsenal, Tottenham, West Ham, Burnley, Liverpool, Crystal Palace, Swansea

How is your team's form heading into the run-in?

Solid rather than spectacular. It's one win, one defeat and four draws under Paul Lambert.

He's stopped the rot, albeit against moderate opposition, but they've now got to start winning sooner rather than later to build on the foundations he's laid.

Are the fans optimistic of maintaining Premier League status?

Not sure optimistic is the word, probably hopeful is as strong as you'd put it.

They appreciate the steady progress, but now need a win to give their hope some impetus.

Are you optimistic?

Er, I have my doubts, especially when I look at the table and the fixtures, but a twice weekly fix of Lambert's immense belief lifts the spirits once more.

Who do you think will go down this season?

West Brom, obviously, then as a neutral I'd be worried about Huddersfield.

I should also be worried about Stoke, but can't be disloyal now so will stick a pin in the league table and come up with Southampton.

West Brom vs Huddersfield Town Premier League, 24.02.18: WBA's Salomon Rondon takes a shot.
West Brom vs Huddersfield Town Premier League, 24.02.18: WBA's Salomon Rondon takes a shot.

West Bromwich Albion - Paul Suart, Birmingham Mail

Position: 20

Points: 20

Remaining fixtures: Leicester, Bournemouth, Burnley, Swansea, Man Utd, Liverpool, Newcastle, Tottenham, Crystal Palace

How is your team's form heading into the run-in?

Disastrous. Albion are cut adrift at the foot of the table, eight points from safety, after only one win in 15 league games.

Alan Pardew simply hasn't provided the new manager bounce we've seen at several other clubs, with Swansea being the obvious example.

The Baggies need six wins from their remaining nine to have a realistic chance of survival.

A tall order given they've only won three matches all season!There are six fixtures in West Brom's run-in that are winnable, at least on paper.

But the rot is so entrenched that no game looks easy any more.Albion simply have to beat Leicester City at home on Saturday to have any chance.

Are the fans optimistic of maintaining Premier League status?

No. Feelings of hope have been replaced by an air of resignation since the home defeat to Huddersfield Town last month. As evidenced by the carefree mood of the fans at Watford last week.

In treacherous travel conditions, over 2,000 supporters made the trip to Hertfordshire and they were magnificent throughout. In full voice, positive and right behind their team, if not always the manager.

They know what's coming, but are determined to go down with a giggle. If you don't laugh the only thing left to do is cry.

Are you optimistic?

I was right up to that Huddersfield result.

Forgetting all of the madness that had preceded it - namely the fiasco in Spain and a 21-game winless run (the longest in the club's history) - Albion still had a shot at survival going into that match.

A win would have reeled in Huddersfield and cut the gap to safety to just four points with ten games to play.

More importantly it would have changed the dynamic, lifted confidence and given Albion a result to build on.

But Albion turned in one of their weakest displays of the season and were deservedly beaten.

There was an improvement at Watford, but the outcome was depressingly familiar.

Who do you think will go down this season?

I'd say West Brom were certainties. Although everyone said that about Swansea before Carlos Carvalhal's revolution in south Wales.

The fat lady hasn't yet sung, but Albion look doomed. I think they'll be joined by Stoke City. I'm just not convinced by Paul Lambert and when you look through their squad, I'm not sure where the goals will come from to keep them up.

David Wagner has done an excellent job at Huddersfield, but I can still see them being dragged into it.

Huddersfield desperately need to pick up points from their rivals in the next few weeks because they end with games against Chelsea, Everton, Manchester City and Arsenal.

Everyone from 13th-placed Swansea down is still right in the mix and will only breathe easier after another two wins.