2 from 5 in survival fight

Sunday promises to provide the most thrilling Premier League relegation battle in history, with five teams battling to survive in the top flight. We take a look at all the contenders and who might be facing the prospect of Championship football next season.

Wigan

Roberto Martinez’s men have given themselves a chance of survival with just one defeat in their last five games – picking up eight points from a possible 15.

Their last-gasp win over West Ham not only gave them hope, but will have also boosted confidence in a big way ahead of Sunday’s final game.

Latics (Evens to stay up) go to Stoke to face a team who never roll over, although their recent FA Cup final defeat will have knocked some of the stuffing out of Tony Pulis’ injury-hit squad.

Wigan have only beaten the Potters once in their last eight meetings, with their last victory at the Britannia coming in November 2004.

Blackpool

Most neutrals will hope the Tangerines can survive, having upset the odds so often this season on a tight budget.

The recent win over Bolton was a must and having rediscovered their goal-scoring form in recent weeks, they have renewed hope.

Blackpool (4/11 to be relegated) have the toughest final game of the weekend, with a trip to champions Manchester United, but it threatens to be a much changed United team that they face.

Charlie Adam and co are capable of avoiding defeat at Old Trafford, but a draw is unlikely to be enough and three points looks like a tall order.

Birmingham

A lack of goals has been Birmingham’s big problem all season and may yet cost them a place in the Premier League.

Three goals in their last five games tells its own story, as does the leading scorer tally – which is topped by midfielder Craig Gardner, with just seven in the league.

Blues (11/10 to stay up) have an away date at Spurs on Sunday and having not won on the road since early February, the omens don’t look good for Alex McLeish’s men.

A solid defensive display is needed at White Hart Lane, as the goals against column could yet prove crucial.

Wolves

Mick McCarthy’s men are arguably the team in form at the bottom end of the table with two wins and a draw in their last three matches.

Their only concern going into Sunday’s final game at home to Blackburn is that their form against the teams around them is poor.

Wolves (11/2 to be relegated) have beaten the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool this term and should be too strong for their opponents on Sunday, with a win certain of keeping them up for a second season.

Blackburn

Rovers have won just one of their last 13 games and their fans have every reason to be worried about relegation.

Steve Kean’s men have won just three times on the road this season and a defeat at Molineux could see them end up in the bottom three.

The only plus for Rovers (8/1 to be relegated) going into the final games is that they have at least a better goal difference than their rivals – and that may yet prove crucial.

Prediction: Blackpool and Birmingham to be relegated with West Ham

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