EPL Relegation Dogfight Reaches Crash-endo

Hull City, Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Sunderland Fight for their Lives

May 22

Sunday sees the final round of matches in the Premier League, and while there are minor issues at the top end, notably Fulham attempting to qualify for next year’s inaugural Europa Cup, most attention will be focused on the bottom end of the table. It is there that four clubs are fighting to avoid two relegation slots that will see them drop out of the EPL.

Sunderland host Chelsea, who have an FA Cup Final to prepare for. The Mackems know that Newcastle and Hull both need to win for them to go down but if that were to happen, Sunderland would also need to win to stay above them. Obviously news will filter through regularly from Villa Park and the KC Stadium in Hull, which could significantly lower the temperature at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.

Sunderland must sweat over midfielder Steed Malbranque, who suffered a hip injury during Monday’s defeat at Portsmouth. George McCartney (calf) will also be absent.

Phil Brown’s Hull City managed to haul themselves out of the drop-zone with a 1-1 draw at Bolton last week, the first time they have moved up a place since Hannibal uttered the immortal words “What is there for elephants to eat up here?” They entertain Manchester United who have an eye on their Champions League final on Wednesday against Barcelona. Sir Alex Ferguson may be tempted to rest key players ahead of that game and has earned the right to do so despite the mutterings of discontent up in the Northeast.

Ferguson told the BBC, “No matter which team I play, it will represent Manchester United in the normal way. We will go to win. That is the responsibility we always have. We have a league that has the best integrity in the world and we will play our part in that.”

Despite the pomposity of those words, he is likely to rest Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Michael Carrick. Federico Macheda and Daniel Welbeck may lead the United attack with Darren Gibson set to start in midfield.

Newcastle manager Alan Shearer says he is “totally convinced” that his side will avoid relegation. His Magpies side travel to Birmingham to play Aston Villa. They are a point short of safety and are relying heavily on other results to go their way. Their only right back, Habib Beye, is missing, having injured his hamstring in training and could be replaced by Jose Enrique, just back after a hamstring injury of his own. Michael Owen will undergo a late fitness test on his recurring groin injury.

Newcastle will survive if they achieve a better result than Hull, or if they win and Sunderland lose. Newcastle have won more points (57) against Aston Villa historically than any other club in the Premier League.

Things look bleakest for Middlesbrough, who travel south to the East End of London to play West Ham United. Boro have to win and hope Newcastle and Hull both lose. In addition, the goal difference between Hull’s loss and Middlesbrough’s victory must total five goals. It is more likely that a relaxed vibrant Hammers side will send them plummeting.

Sunday Fixtures (all times Pacific am):
Aston Villa v Newcastle, 8:00
Hull City v Man Utd, 8:00
Sunderland v Chelsea, 8:00
West Ham v Middlesbrough, 8:00

EPL Bottom Five – Last Three are Relegated

	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	GD	Points
Sunderland	37	9	9	19	-19	36
Hull City	37	8	11	18	-24	35
Newcastle United	37	7	13	17	-18	34
Middlesbrough	37	7	11	19	-28	32
West Brom Albion	37	8	7	23	-31	31

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