Premier League Fixtures 2011-12: 10 Battles That Will Define Relegation Battle

With the release of the 2011-12 English Premier League schedule, it is now time for speculation to officially begin on who will be at the bottom of the table fighting in the relegation zone.

Last season gave fans the most thrilling relegation fight in Premier League history with six teams not having safety until the last day of the season.

I predict that a similar result could happen again this season with the gap between the bottom teams in the Premier League and top teams in the Championship growing smaller each season.

Here are 10 games that will have an effect on the relegation race this season:

Swansea @ Norwich, Carrow Road, October 15th

In an early battle featuring two of the promoted sides from the Championship, the winner of this game will give themselves a momentum boost as this is the time of the season where the early season magic can start fading away and clubs find out who they really are.

Wigan @ Wolves, Molineux Stadium, November 5th

Two of last season's relegation fighters will most likely be the fight again this season and games against other teams bound for the relegation are the most important ones.

Queens Park Rangers @ Norwich, Carrow Road, November 26th

These two clubs drew at Loftus Road and then Norwich won at home in their second meeting in the Championship last season. As are most promoted clubs, these two clubs are predicted to be down near the bottom of the table. The familiarity between both clubs from the Championship last season will make this game a good one to watch.

Wigan @ Queens Park Rangers, Loftus Road, January 21st

If Wigan are to stay up for yet another season in the Premier League, these are the games they have to win. Winning away at a relegation rival is one of the things you have to do at least once if you want to stay up, and this is a perfect opportunity for the Latics.

Swansea @ Wigan, DW Stadium, March 3rd

By March, we will definitely know who will be fighting in the relegation zone, with Wigan's experience of being there last season, it will give them an advantage over a Swansea side that could be one and done before joining Welsh rivals Cardiff back in the Championship.

Blackburn @ Wolves, Molineux Stadium, March 10th

This was the match we saw at the end of the season last year that kept both teams up in a 3-2 win for Blackburn. With the loss of defender Phil Jones already to Manchester United and Chris Samba most likely on his way out, the weakened Rovers defense could be their downfall this season. Wolves are at best a club that can finish a few spots above relegation, but will always be in the fight.

Norwich @ Blackburn, Ewood Park, April 21st

This could be a game where Blackburn secures their spot in the 2012-13 Premier League and one where the Canaries fall back down to the Championship.

Wolves @ Swansea, Liberty Stadium, April 28th

This could be another example of an experienced relegation fighter beating out a first timer, but anything can happen when you are at home and Wolves only had three road wins last season.

Wigan @ Blackburn, Ewood Park, May 5th

Two veterans of the Premier League who look to be fighting with the newly promoted clubs and possibly a surprise team or two for the three relegation spots. This season may the season where the Latics finally go down while Rovers could become the first former Premier League champion to be relegated twice.

Wolves @ Wigan, DW Stadium, May 13th

In the only game between two teams predicted in preseason to be in the relegation fight on the final day of the season, we could see the drama that we saw last season, especially if both clubs come up with runs towards the end of the season like they did last season.