Relegation is never decided in this division till the death, unless you're Derby of course, but even if a team looks down and out, a few wins strung together can put them right back in the mix.
This has been proven by Fulham and Bolton. Both were strongly written off and looked certain for a trip to Norwich and Burnley next season, but now both are in with a shout of staying up thanks to valuable wins.
Sunderland confirmed survival with three deserved points over the 'boro on Saturday and made sure Roy Keane's first season as a manager in the Premiership will not be a short stint.
Newcastle's revival under Kevin Keegan has been fantastic. Seemingly destined to be involved in the relegation battle, valuable wins against Tottenham and their local neighbours, Sunderland, have made sure the club can build for next season as well.
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The remaining North East team, Middlesbrough, are still deeply involved, and only a win at home to Portsmouth will guarantee safety. That is a very hard task given the F.A. Cup finalists are chasing a UEFA cup place, so look out for a possible red herring in the battle for safety as far as Gareth Southgate's men are concerned.
Fulham, Bolton, Reading, Birmingham, Wigan, Middlesbrough, could all still be relegated and the end to the season is sure to be tense for all the teams involved.
A result on Saturday is paramount for Bolton at home to Sunderland. Otherwise, they would have to pin any hope of survival on a trip to Chelsea on the last day.
Birmingham face Fulham in what is surely the biggest game of the day survival-wise and we should know the fate of Fulham after that game. They are the most adrift of the other clubs. A win for Birmingham would really boost their hopes of staying up after there 2-2 draw with an under strength Liverpool at the weekend.
One thing is for certain though, we will witness a frantic last day once again, as the pendulum of survival swings back and forth. Once again nothing is decided yet.
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8 months ago
Fulham can stay up. After than fantastic comeback against City I really think they can survive the drop.
8 months ago
Given Pompey's lackadaisical performance yesterday, it seemed clear to me that they had more than one eye on the Cup final. I think Boro could easily get a result against them if they continue to play like the league is already over.
8 months ago
Good Piece Daniel. I'm pulling for Scotland..I mean Birmingham haha
4 months ago
I fear for Hull City, just don't think they have enough to stay up this year
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