Five sets of Premier League supporters will be nervously checking scores from around the country, as well as watching their side, in the hope they end the final day of the season outside of the dreaded bottom three. There are myriad permutations involving Wolves, Blackburn, Birmingham, Blackpool and Wigan. Here is our look at what may – or may not – happen.
Wolves v Blackburn
Both these sides sit a point outside the drop zone (100/1 for both sides to go down) and know if results go their way they could see out a comfortable draw and both secure safety.
However, after beating Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City at home this season Wolves will be desperate to Blackburn to their list of Molineux victims and guarantee a third successive Premier League season.
Blackburn (8/1 to go down) are on a poor run of form with a narrow home win over Bolton last month their only victory in 13 matches. They do though have the best goal difference out of all five teams and I suspect boss Steve Kean will be relying on the results of others to keep his side safe.
Wigan v Stoke
At half-time at the DW Stadium last weekend Wigan (evens to stay up) were staring relegation in the face. But their stirring comeback and eventual 3-2 over West Ham has given them a fighting chance of survival. They play a Stoke side still licking their wounds after their defeat by Man City in last week’s FA Cup final.
Tony Pulis will demand nothing more than 100% effort from his well drilled side but you wonder whether their Wembley agony could work in Wigan’s favour, allowing them to grab the win they desperately need.
Manchester United v Blackpool
Ian Holloway’s men have the toughest game of all the relegation-threatened sides as they become the final team to try and defeat Champions Manchester United at home this season.
A debate has raged this week about Sir Alex Ferguson’s team selection and whether he will rest key stars ahead of next week’s Champions League final. Fergie has since confirmed though that Edwin van der Sar, Darren Fletcher, Patrice Evra, Paul Scholes, Anderson, Dimitar Berbatov will all start.
Blackpool (4/11 to go down) have impressed with their bold, fearless approach this season and that could yet bring them rewards. Should they end the campaign level on points and goal difference, their impressive haul of 53 goals scored could yet save them.
Tottenham v Birmingham
That memorable day at Wembley when Birmingham (4/6 to go down) lifted the Carling Cup must feel like a long time ago now as the club slides towards the bottom three.
They have spent the majority of the season in lower mid-table but their run of two wins from their last 12 games is classic of a side sleepwalking into a relegation battle and not having time to wake up before it is too late.
They play a Tottenham side who need a win to ensure Europa League football next season and after watching City’s limp display against Fulham last weekend I suspect they will be relying on other results to keep them out of trouble.
Prediction: Birmingham and Blackpool to go down with West Ham
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