Battle For Survival!

Finally it has arrived - the final day - The D-day of the Premiership and now that the premiership winners have been decided all eyes will be on Relegation battle at the foot of the league. Desperation Time!
We have a look at the various scenarios this weekend. West Brom have already been relegated after the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool so that leaves them out of the equation.

Here is a quick look at the bottom of the table moving into the final week of the Premier League:


Let us have a look at the fixtures involving the teams at the bottom along with the refrees incharge (as they DO have a say in recent games!:D)

Aston Villa vs Newcastle United (Chris Foy)

Hull City vs Manchester United (Alan Wiley)

Sunderland vs Chelsea (Mark Halsey)

West Ham United vs Middlesborough (Howard Webb)



Gareth Southgate's team were extremely unlucky last week after conceding to a John Carew goal - those 2 points might seem BIG now..But that has been the probelm with Middlesborough this season - on the defensive front! Sunderland got themselves dragged into the relegation mess after loosing a 1-0 lead at Fratton Park. Newcastle United failed to take advantage of the position they had placed themselves in after the win over Middlesborough, losing last week to Fulham at St.James's. Hull after drawing against Bolton at the Reebok capitalised on that mistake and have got themselves out of the relegation,for now...
Hull City and Sunderland have arguably got the toughest fixtures among the lot.However there seems to be a catch to the situation - both Manchester United and Chelsea have got something to play for at the end of the season - UCL and FA cup finals respectively. But it is likely that Manchester United will field a weaker squad than Chelsea on Sunday with Sir Alex having one eye on Thursday night's CL final in Rome. But it doesn't account for a lot since the strength in depth of both these teams is outstanding to say the least!
Saying that getting anything from Villa Park as well as Upton Park isn't that easy!

Survival Conditions:
1] Sunderland Pts.36 GD.-19

A draw would just about ensure their survival regardless of other results.
Alternatively they would need to match Hull City /Newcastle United's results


2] Hull City Pts.35 GD.-24

They need to match Newcastle United's result against Aston Villa


3] Newcastle United Pts.34 GD.-18

It's always complicated with Newcastle isn't it?
A loss won't do!
A draw and Hull loss would ensure survival on GD.
A win would put Sunderland/Hull City in their shoes depending on their results.


4] Middlesborough Pts.32 GD.-28

This situation is very bleak
They simply HAVE TO WIN to have faint hopes of survival - Anything less than a win for Boro and it's an entry pass to Championship Football!
However even after a win they would need other results going their way
Newcastle should loose and Hull City must loose by a minimum 3 goal margin against United!



It's certainly been a great year of Premier League football and one of the best relegation battles we've seen.The climax to a high paced,drama filled relegation battle is coming to a end.
Make sure you don't miss it!
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Comments

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

     
  2. The future of Boro certainly looks bleak.
    It seems that they will not make good use of the 3 points which they snatched from liverpool, against odds
    and which eventually (along with the draws at anfield of course)..
    took the premiership from merseyside to manchester.