Relegation scrap heats up

Relegation scrap heats up
With Derby already relegated and Liverpool having walked the league weeks ago, the real source of excitement in the final week of the Premiership is at the foot of the table, with Wigan, Fulham and Sunderland vying to stay in the league.

To most analysers of the table, it would be logical that Sunderland - 2 points below both of their opponents - are the favourites to go down. On the other hand, it could be argued that they have the best form of the three sides. At the halfway stage of the season, just five months ago, Sunderland were down and out of the Premier League. However, there was a change of manager; managing rookie Henri Southern stepped in to save the sinking ship of Sunderland. Since then, their rise has been almost as extraordinary as their fall, with Southern masterminding 10 wins and eight losses - a very good record for a team at the bottom of the table. In spite of Sunderland’s general good form, a major blip in their survival preperations has fallen at the hands of Aston Villa yesterday, who smashed them 3-0 at the Stadium of Light. It remains to be seen whether they can bounce back from this and survive in the Premiership against all odds. Tottenham await them in three days.

Fulham and Wigan are on poor form of late, despite being above Sunderland in the league for the vast majority of the season. They have suffered losses to Man City and Bolton respectively yesterday, which eases Sunderland’s blow of losing to Aston Villa. Fulham have a tough tie at Fratton Park, whilst Wigan face the impossible at Old Trafford.

Stay up to date with the fixtures on Sky Sports, who shall be showing all matches on their interactive service on Sunday 11th May, 16:00. Stay tuned!