After ten months and 37 games, and many twists, turns, shocks and surprises, the fate of five Barclays Premier League clubs comes down to 90 minutes. Survival Sunday is well and truly upon us.
Going into the final day, Wigan and Blackpool (both 39pts) occupy the two remaining relegation places, with Birmingham (39) outside on goal difference. Wolves host Blackburn (both on 40 pts), where the winners are guaranteed safety, and that is where I shall start my preview.
This game could very easily turn into an Austria v West Germany situation. On that occasion, the sides pre-arranged a 1-0 German win that benefited both countries, changing the rules for last-day fixtures. I am not suggesting there will be any pre-game chat here between Messrs Kean and McCarthy, but if the other games are going their way both teams will certainly settle for a draw and play keep-ball for as long as necessary. The caveat is that a draw would send both sides down if all of the other three relegation rivals win, and Wolves alone would drop if any two of the other three emerge with three points.
Wolves therefore will be more keen for the win, but despite their very good form of late, I think this game will be a draw.
Blackpool are off to Old Trafford to take on the champions Manchester United, where in all likelihood, they will have to win the game to stay up. Only West Brom have taken so much as a point from the Theatre of Dreams this season, and even that looks a tall order for the Tangerines, irrespective of Sir Alex Ferguson's team selection. In my opinion he can put the youth team out with no arguments; I think its fair to say that he has earnt the right to select any 11 players he likes. Whichever side comes out, they ought to be too strong. After all, their 'reserves' have already beaten Schalke 04 4-1 this season.
I'll go for a comfortable home win to send Blackpool back into the Championship.
Wigan have, in my opinion, the most winnable of the final fixtures against a Stoke side who must surely have their summer holidays in mind following the FA Cup final defeat. That said, it won't be a gimme for the Latics, the Britannia Stadium is still one of the more difficult grounds from which to take a result home. That said, I think Wigan's hunger alone - emphatically shown by their comeback last week against West Ham - can get them the result they hope will keep them up.
As I said, of all the opponents they could have had, Wigan probably would have chosen Stoke, and I think they will get the point they need for survival.
That is because Birmingham, who have dropped like a stone since winning the Carling Cup, are at a Tottenham side who still have fifth place, and a Europa League berth, to secure. Spurs are seemingly over their wobble, and their win at Liverpool was one of the more impressive results of the season. Despite Harry Redknapp's apparent lack of interest in the Europa League, he will be desperate to ensure that they finish as high as possible, ie. 5th, to secure it.
I can only see an easy home win here, sorry Blues fans.
So it's Blackpool and Birmingham to join West Ham in the second tier next season in my opinion. I'm sure it won't be that simple though. They will probably all be safe or down at some point, and I can't wait to see it unfold. Apparently there are 81 different permutations today, we may even see most of them. See you at 4.00!
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