English Premier League Relegation Battle: The Plot Thickens

The biggest winner in last weekend’s relegation dogfight was none other than Steve Kean and Blackburn Rovers.

The embattled manager’s side distanced themselves from the relegation zone with a win against fellow strugglers Wolverhampton. Only three points separate Rovers and the three bottom dwellers though. The most positive man in English football, Kean, is showing what doesn't kill him only makes him stronger. 

Venky’s has stuck with the Glaswegian through thick and thin, and Blackburn look more likely to avoid relegation with 10 matches remaining.

The two biggest questions are, how will the team's supporters feel if the club stays up, and will Kean still be in the job next season? It wouldn’t seem right to sack him if he keeps them in the Premier League, yet it’s doubtful Rovers fans will open their arms to the manager.

Wolverhampton, on the other hand, was the biggest loser of the weekend. Their much-maligned defense gave up two more goals, and the club is only second to Wigan with the worst goal difference in the Premier League; not to mention the club is now second from bottom in points.

Terry Conor’s men were second best all day and, despite being at home and arguably having more talented players, were thoroughly outplayed. 

Both clubs have winnable games left on their schedule—though both still have the likes of Manchester United to play— and both clubs’ futures are in their own hands.

However, Wolves look highly unlikely to be playing Premier League football next season. Their form seems to be the worst of any team fighting for safety.

Wolverhampton’s timing to sack Mick McCarthy looks even worse now that the club has given up seven goals in two matches.

Keep in mind, no out-of-work manager wanted to touch the Wolves job after McCarthy’s sacking. Perhaps there’s more under the surface at Molineux than irritated supporters, and under performing players. 

If there is good news, it is that Wolves will host Manchester United at Molineux, where they have played very well against the Red Devils in recent times. 

Bolton was also a big winner last weekend, as they leapfrogged QPR, moving out of  the drop zone by a point. Though QPR was denied a clear goal by Martin Atkinson, Bolton played the better football for large parts of the game.

Their January loan signing, Ryo Miyaichi, has brought an energy that was lacking at the club, and manager Owen Coyle continues to get the best out of loan signings each season. 

Over the last five matches, Wigan has had the best form of the relegation pack. They have picked up six points from a possible 15, and last weekend’s draw against Norwich put them two points from safety.

Wigan has winnable matches, but with the most draws of any relegation contender, the club has been unable to turn leads into wins. However, it’s rare they have had the lead, and more often they overcome a defecit to salvage a draw. 

Blackburn still have Bolton and Wigan on their fixture list. With the club three points better than the rest, their survival may depend on those six points.

QPR still has the hardest remaining schedule, and with their current form— with 10 matches remaining—they look unlikely to be in the Premier League next season. 

Wolverhampton’s form over the last two matches has not only increased the pressure on the club, but it has made their remaining games look even more difficult. Wolves could very well finish bottom of the league. Their three most difficult matches—Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City—are all at home. 

Wigan will play Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal in consecutive matches. Not a pleasant thought for manager Roberto Martinez.

However, the club’s four remaining matches are against Fulham, Newcastle, Blackburn and Wolves. The club can get a draw against those four teams, and wins aren’t out of the question. 

Bolton still has the easiest schedule over the next 10 matches. Unlike the others, Bolton will play only one more top-five club, and six of their remaining games are against the lower half of the table. 

All five relegation contenders have their futures in their own hands. It should go down to the last day of the season, and two sets of supporters will rejoice. Meanwhile, three clubs will sink into the Championship for at least one year of lower-level football.