Relegation Crunch Time – Predictions

In probably the most open and exciting relegation battle for years, 6 teams were in the mix before this weekend. Monumental wins for Wolves, Blackpool and Wigan and a valuable point for Blackburn have left them with a fighting chance heading into the last game of the season whereas defeat for Birmingham has left them hovering precariously over the drop zone on goal difference by a solitary goal.

So West Ham have gone and its 2 from 5 that will face the drop, but who do you think will go? and who would the Premier League really miss? Here’s my predictions:

WOLVES v BLACKBURN: Both teams find themselves on 40 points. A win would see a side safe and a draw would mean squeaky bums and nervous times waiting for goal flashes, particularly for Wolves with a -19 goal difference. Wolves are the in-form team in trouble having won the past two games and I think Mick McCarthy’s men will see the job out and win in front of their own fans… Steven Fletcher with the winner, 1-0.

tottenham v BIRMINGHAM: Sorry Birmingham, I really can’t see it happening. Tottenham after their victory against Liverpool are playing for a European place which would be the least that their fans expect out of this campaign. Birmingham fans must be wondering what has happened to their team since the League cup final and recently they have picked a meagre up 2 points in 5 away games and I really don’t see this run of form changing, 3-1.

man united v BLACKPOOL: What a game, in the reverse fixture Blackpool lost 3-2 but were robbed when the Seasiders were not awarded a penalty for Rafael’s blatant foul on Varney at 2-0. Blackpool won’t be out for revenge, they will be motivated by a greater carrot, PL survival. Meanwhile United are likely to rest key players ahead of the Champions League final but fringe players will be looking to make an impression. As much as I would like Blackpool to win, I can’t see United loosing in front of their own fans and it could turn out to be a horrible afternoon in Manchester for Holloway’s men, 3-2.

stoke v WIGAN: Stoke’s season ended with their FA Cup defeat to Manchester City on Saturday but they have had a fantastic season and will have Europe to look forward to next year. Wigan on the other hand must win. Their goal difference is the worst of the teams still fighting, effectively putting them a point behind the rest. A draw is not good enough but after their heroic comeback which condemned West Ham to life in the Championship they will be in confident mood and will believe they can win. I would expect them to nick a valuable 3 points, 0-2.

With these predictions I think Wolves, Wigan and Blackburn will stay up, while Birmingham and Blackpool fans will be left in tears and planning for glamour ties at the Ricoh Arena and the Keepmoat. If my predictions are realised, both sets of fans will never forget a season which has seen Blackpool become every neutral’s favourite for their brave displays of relentless (if somewhat naive) attacking football which has yielded some wonderful results whilst Birmingham fans will struggle to come to terms with a season which has seen them lift the League Cup, qualify for Europe and be relegated as their form has deteriorated since their famous cup final victory against Arsenal.

As for West Ham… sorry, woeful season and they will hope that with a new manager they can inject fresh life into the club and bounce straight back but will have to contend with an exodus of players leaving, particularly Football Writer’s Association Player of the Season Scott Parker. Wigan, Wolves and Blackburn will celebrate famous escapes long into the summer, particularly Wolves who were rooted to the foot of the table on number of occasions, but must look to build and improve on this season considerably.

Follow me on Twitter @RachidMRabty

ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.

To have a peak at the top SEVEN available FREE TRANSFERS this summer, click here.