Relegation Battle will be the absolute theme of this weekend's action in the Barclays Premier League. Five teams are still in danger of getting relegated and four matches will determine the two teams that will be doomed of playing Championship football alongside the already relegated West Ham United.
Wolves have had a very mixed season and once again, to predict their imminent future is indeed a difficult task considering their inconsistency. Worse still, they face another relegation candidate this weekend in Blackburn Rovers in a do-or-die encounter at the Molineaux.
Home advantage will be a key aspect of their chances as they have only lost once in their last six home games, scoring 13 goals as well. Steven Fletcher is also in red hot form having scored 5 goals in his last five Premier League matches. It all depends on whether Wolves can produce one final performance to secure their spot among the elite for next season.
Christopher Samba is their undisputable captain. But Blackburn also relate to Samba as having their most shots on goal for them this season. Peculiar isn't it? Ever since the sacking of Sam Alardyce was announced, things have been deteriorating for them.
They face Wolverhampton this weekend in a match that could literally explode due to the importance being placed on it. Both sides imperiously need a win at Sunday as their future is currently our of their hands. It all depends on Wigan, Birmingham and Blackpool as if those three clubs win their one remaining match, then Rovers and Wolves will be doomed for relegation.
Nevertheless, Steve Kean flew to India over the week and it remains to be seen whether Blackburn will be affected by that..
How many times have we said this? Blackpool have been a real breath of fresh air in the Premier League season. They have adopted that 'No Fear' attitude and Ian Holloway has been doing a terrific job with his rather small squad over the season.
But once again, poor defensive record has brought them to the edge of relegation battle and i must say that they face an uphill task to survive on Sunday. What else do you need on a must win final match of the season? Facing Manchester United is something they would have loved to escape but nonetheless, choices are not an option now. Old Trafford will be the place, only a win shall be accepted. Anything lesser than that, they will be relegated. A draw MIGHT save them though, depending on the outcome the other fixtures.
Alex McLeish's Carling Cup winning side also face a gigantic task tomorrow. They visit Europa League candidates Tottenham Hotspur, knowing that a vast improvement will be needed compared to their last league outing against Fulham.
Safety at the back will be the crucial aspect because while attacking is their only option, it could also trigger more space for Spurs to counter attack and it may very well end in a brutal beating for Birmingham.
The task is an almost impossible one for McLeish as they have only beaten West Ham and Blackpool away this season. With Spurs also needing a win to ensure their spot in the Europa League, White Hart Lane could be treated to free-flowing football tomorrow.
Last weekend was indeed a happy one for Roberto Martinez and men as they proved their mettle by overcoming a 2-0 deficit against West Ham to win the match 3-2. And they face a a rather depleted opponent this weekend, making their task an easier one.
Stoke City's season is literally over after their disappointment against Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley. Tony Pulis threw out a second string squad against City in their league clash last over the week and will be expected to do the same against Wigan. It could be Roberto Martinez's chance of securing Wigan's Premier League status for next season.
OUR PREDICTIONS
Wolverhampton have been prolific at home this season and will continue that run by beating Blackburn at the Molineaux. Blackpool will go all guns blazing against a weak Manchester United line-up but Old Trafford has been United's fortress this season. Nevertheless, a point for either side seems the likely outcome.
Birmingham face a very determined Spurs and have never beaten them at White Hart Lane since 1984. Expect a crucial win for the Spurs. While Wigan Athletic are our plain choice to defeat Stoke City tomorrow.
Relegated Teams: West Ham, Birmingham, Blackpool (by goal difference)
