Relegation Dog Fight

West Brom
Remaining Fixtures:
(H) Wigan 9th May
(H) Liverpool 17th May
(A) Blackburn

Prediction: West Brom are on 28 points, even if they had the required divine intervention to secure three wins, they are definitely playing Championship football next season. West Brom have made the league interesting and I for one applaud their attempts to play creative football. They are becoming a YoYo club bouncing between Premier League & Championship - Should be good value for a quick return if they retain manager and key players.

Middlesbrough
Remaining Fixtures:
(A) Newcastle 11th May
(H) Aston Villa 16th May
(A) West Ham 24th May

Prediction: I had thought previously that Boro would go down, but it would go to the last day, it looks to me like Boro are now gone. They probably need 9 points, but certainly 7 points to survive, and from the games left and recent performances it ain't going to happen. I hope Gareth Southgate gets to stay on and bring them back up at first attempt.

Newcastle
Remaining Fixtures:
(H) Middlesbrough
(H) Fulham
(A) Aston Villa

Prediction: Despite a poor run of results from their latest messiah, Mr Shearer, I have a feeling that the Toon Army will be celebrating a victory over Boro and their premier League Status will be decided on the final day against Villa away. However, I suspect they will not be in the Premier League next year.

Hull City
Remaining Fixtures:
(A) Aston Villa - 4th May
(H) Stoke - 9th May
(A) Bolton - 16th May
(H) Man Utd - 24th May

Prediction: I do not see Hull getting too many points from these remaining games and the game against Stoke will be their best hope for 3 points. Their existing 3 point cushion is crucial, but, perhaps the key will be if Man Utd have already won and lifted the Trophy prior to 24th May and if United have an upcoming Champions League final; in this scenario key players will all be rested and what looks like a tough tie now, may break in their favour. All of Hull must be rooting for Man Utd to get the league and CL Semi sewn up.

Sunderland
(H) Everton - Now
(A) Bolton - 9th May
(A) Portsmouth - 18th May
(H) Chelsea - 24th May

As I type, Sunderland are 1-0 behind Everton with the Toffee Men looking likely to take all 3 points. Sunderland have a 4 point cushion over Newcastle, and I think that that, with a couple of draws will see them safe. A win is unlikely looking at the games left, but i think they are safe.

Others
I think Blackburn, Portsmouth and Stoke are safe. I am surprised by Stokes surge up the table and think they have been good value for a second season. I recall after their opening day defeat that bookies were already paying out on their relegation - Stoke players and fans will have the last laugh.

Managers of the above clubs will have a busy pre-season and improvements will be required to see that they are not in the same position at the same point next year.