Most Compelling Storylines Remaining in the EPL Season

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The Premier League is slowly reaching its climax.

Manchester United have probably already wrapped up the title race, but that does not necessarily mean the fans cannot enjoy the rest of the season.

There are plenty of storylines that will be interesting to watch, and here at Bleacher Report we've decided to present you with the five most compelling ones left as the season gradually comes to an end.

Who Will Survive the Relegation Battle?

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This year's relegation battle has proved to be more exciting than the title race, which has, in all probability, already been decided.

At least six teams are still in the danger zone: Queen Park Rangers, Reading, Aston Villa, Wigan Athletic, Southampton and Sunderland.

QPR have been sitting on the bottom of the table all year, but the Rangers have slowly progressed under Harry Redknapp's guidance. Whether it will be too little, too late remains to be seen.

Reading and Southampton are still not safe, despite numerous transfer signings, and both teams will need to improve before it becomes too late to avoid relegation.

On the other hand, Aston Villa were supposed to be one of the surprise packages under Paul Lambert's management this year. The Villans have undoubtedly surprised their supporters: No one expected the team to play this dreadfully.

Premier League survival is their most important task now.

Three will have to go down in the end. Who will it be?

Can Wigan Do the Remarkable and Avoid Relegation Yet Again?

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Related to the relegation battle is the Wigan situation.

During his four-year tenure with Wigan, Roberto Martinez has done wonders for the club on a relatively meager budget.

What is more, it's become a tradition now: Every year Wigan look destined for relegation, but the seemingly inexperienced Latics boss manages to save the club with a string of great performances at the end of the season.

What makes his feat even more remarkable is the fact that, in spite of all the struggles, he has implemented his own unique, aesthetically pleasing style of play, while avoiding needless spending.

Martinez and Wigan pulled it off thrice already, can they do it once more?

Roberto Mancini's Future

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After last season's emphatic last-minute title win, Roberto Mancini looked to have secured his future with Manchester City. However, the limitations of his tactical system were once again displayed this season, as the club struggled both domestically and internationally.

The Citizens have been humiliated in the Champions League, knocked out of the League Cup and have lost virtually every chance of retaining their Premier League title—the FA Cup is now the only competition that can bring a trophy to Etihad Stadium.

But after spending millions of euros on transfer reinforcements in previous years, the Manchester City owner probably won't be pleased with his side's performances. 

Moreover, Mancini has come to a point where even the FA Cup trophy might not be enough to save him from getting fired. 

How long will Mancini last in the Manchester City hot seat?

Will Chelsea Get Back on Track?

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One word sums up Chelsea's season so far: turmoil.

The Blues have gone from Champions League winners to one of the most unstable clubs in the world in a matter of months.

Following Roberto Di Matteo's premature sacking, Roman Abramovich decided to appoint Rafael Benitez as the interim manager until the end of the season. He couldn't have got it more wrong.

The supporters turned against their new manager instantly, calling for Di Matteo to return to the managerial seat at Stamford Bridge. 

In fact, it appears their discontent has had a massive impact on the team. The unwanted Benitez had to come out and publicly criticise the fans and the club's boardroom for their lack of support (via ESPN): 

If a group of fans continue their agenda...They are not making any favors for the team. 

They should concentrate on supporting the team. They put pressure on the players and don't create a good atmosphere at Stamford Bridge. They have to realize they rare making a big mistake.

It would be much better to have a good atmosphere.

With the supporters seemingly against the current regime in Chelsea, can the club get back on track and ensure Champions League qualification?

Who Will Play Champions League Football Next Year?

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Somewhat related to the last slide is the battle for Champions League football.

Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Arsenal and even Everton have all put serious claims for the last two places, which lead to the Champions League next year, and the race will only intensify as the season comes to an end.

Everton might have fallen out recently, but they are still only seven points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, and with 11 games left to be played, ruling the Toffees out prematurely would be a huge mistake.

Chelsea are in a chaotic situation as well, and the Blues will have their work cut out for them if they are to secure Champions League qualification.

Meanwhile, Tottenham and Arsenal are playing perhaps the most entertaining football in the Premier League at the moment and will face off against each other this weekend.

The decisive head-to-head matches still haven't been played—the battle is on!