With eight games left, the once-magic 40-point
survival mark is likely to be blown away in the most exciting
relegation scrap for years.
Neil Moxley gives his verdicts on who will
survive.
13th
BLACKBURN 33pts
Without a win in six games and with a trip to Arsenal
next, Rovers’ position is likely to worsen. Normally, their Ewood
Park lets them rest easy but Saturday’s last gasp 2-2 draw, thanks
to Junior Hoilett’s goal at home to Blackpool, shows how tough it
will be and Manchester City are still to visit.
Three points at home to Birmingham on April 9 looks vital,
as they finish with trips to West Ham and Wolves, sandwiching
Manchester United at home. Rovers have been consistently
inconsistent since Steve Kean took over.
Verdict:
RELEGATION
Last-gasp: Junior Hoilett (centre) celebrates scoring
Blackburn's equaliser against Blackpool
14th
ASTON VILLA 33pts
Whenever Gerard Houllier’s side are discussed, the phrase
‘Too big to go down,’ inevitably follows. It is, of course,
nonsense, asSaturday’s 1-0 home defeat by Wolves proved. Several
players who have not fitted in with the new regime have left.
Others, such as Stephen Warnock, have been cast aside. It all
appears a gigantic mess.
But Villa Park remains a difficult venue to conquer and
with Wigan Athletic and Stoke City to play at home, Houllier should
just about see himself over the line. However, with Arsenal away
and Liverpool at home to end the season, Villa’s odds will tumble
if they are in trouble with two matches remaining.
Verdict:
SURVIVAL
15th BLACKPOOL 33pts
Most neutrals will hope the Seasiders stay up for what
they have contributed this season: Ian Holloway’s rantings, a
devil-may-care attitude and Charlie Adam’s delicious left foot have
been superb, with the Scot twice on target at Blackburn on
Saturday.
After so few games at Bloomfield Road at the start of the
season when the ground was being refurbished, five of their last
eight are at home. Scoring has not been a problem, so Holloway
should have enough firepower to see him over the line.
Verdict:
SURVIVAL
Love-affair: Holloway is adored by Blackpool fans
16th WEST BROM 33pts
Saviour? Hodgson was brought in to keep the Baggies
up
Clearly owner Jeremy Peace feared the worst when he sacked
Roberto di Matteo. His successor Roy Hodgson tightened up a team
that had conceded at least twice in each of the 10 games before he
joined. Saturday’s 2-2 draw at home to Arsenal means he is still
unbeaten.
The win at Birmingham two weeks ago helped and their
goal threat should ensure survival. But if they lose the two
derbies — home to Villa and at Wolves — they may still be in
trouble.
Verdict:
SURVIVAL
17th WEST HAM
32pts
Where would the Hammers be without Scott Parker? While
Demba Ba and Thomas Hitzlsperger have been grabbing the headlines
recently, the midfielder has been the driving force all season. He
confirmed himself as a contender for Player Of The Year with
another superb display in the 0-0 draw at Tottenham, helped by some
remarkable goalkeeping from Robert Green.
Although the run-in looks tricky, West Ham have been
picking up points against the big boys. As long as Parker stays fit
the Hammers will be fine.
Verdict:
SURVIVAL
18th WOLVES
32pts
Along with West Ham, they are the form team at the bottom
— three wins, two draws and one defeat in the past six games.
Saturday’s win at Villa, courtesy of a sweet Matt Jarvis volley,
left them within sight of an escape.
The addition of Jamie O’Hara has improved Wolves’s potency
and they face none of the top six in their last eight matches. But
as Mick McCarthy points out, they have struggled against the teams
around them.
Verdict:
SURVIVAL
19th BIRMINGHAM
31pts
Alex McLeish could be the first manager since Norwich
City’s Ken Brown in 1985 to win the League Cup and drop out of the
top flight. The Blues are the lowest scorers in the league and have
drawn 13 games, so Saturday’s 2-1 loss at Wigan was crushing after
they took the lead.
Their game in hand is at Stamford Bridge and they have to
go to Anfield, White Hart Lane and St James’ Park, so they will
need points when Bolton, Sunderland, Fulham and Wolves come to St
Andrew’s.
Verdict:
RELEGATION
Bitter sweet: Alex McLeish (left) could taste
relegation just months after winning the Carling Cup
20th WIGAN
30pts
Their poor goal difference means the Latics need one
victory more than the rest to escape. Maynor Figueroa’s late winner
at home to Birmingham on Saturday was vital but with just three
games at the DW Stadium, their away form is key.
On a positive note, going into the final three games,
Wigan have a good record at Villa and face West Ham in their last
home game. They follow that with a trip to Stoke, who could have an
eye on the FA Cup final.
Verdict:
RELEGATION
