We are in a worse position than last seaon but the bottom clubs are in even more dire straits. While last season we had 28 points from 24 games, the clubs in positions 18-20 - Wolves, Wigan and West ham - were on 21/2 points and playing quite well, so were uncomfortably close (indeed, 2 of those clubs managed to survive).
This season the bottom three clubs have 16, 18 and 20 points respectively so they have more ground to make up and are all in very poor form..
Bolton are the closest with 20 points and we have the chance to settle their hash on 18 March. That really could turn out to be one of our most important games this season.