Survival struggle hots up

The battle to avoid the drop is boiling up to a fascinating finale. We look ahead to Survival Sunday.



The battle to stay in the Barclays Premier League is set for a thrilling conclusion.

Four clubs are now struggling to avoid the two remaining relegation places on the last day of the season.

Sunderland's 3-1 defeat at Portsmouth on Monday means they are still not clear of the trapdoor.

With a point advantage over Hull City and two over neighbours Newcastle United, the Black Cats are in pole position.

However they now need to win their final fixture at home to Chelsea to be certain of staying up.

Anything less could let in either the Tigers or the Magpies who also face difficult tests on the last day.

unlikely combination

Alan Shearer's side travel to Aston Villa who still harbour hopes of finishing fifth while Phil Brown's men are at home to newly-crowned champions Manchester United.

And waiting for any slip up from them are Middlesbrough who need an unlikely combination of scorelines in order to survive.

Boro have to win at West Ham United and in the process overturn a four-goal deficit over Hull City who must lose to United. In addition, Newcastle cannot pick up a point at Villa.

West Bromwich Albion are down while Gareth Southgate's men are close to joining them.

Next in the firing line are Newcastle whose fate is not in their own hands. However victory would be enough if Hull or Sunderland slip up.

The Tigers though know they need only to match or better Newcastle's result in order to secure a second season in the Barclays Premier League.

It looks sure to be a tense finish to a thrilling season and it promises to go right to the wire.

SURVIVAL SHAKE-UP

Sunderland

Sunderland If Sunderland win they are safe; if they draw they are safe unless both Hull and Newcastle win; if they lose narrowly, they will be safe provided Hull or Newcastle lose or draw.

Hull City

Hull City If Hull win they stay up and either Newcastle or Sunderland would go down with Middlesbrough; if Hull draw they will survive provided Newcastle lose or draw; if Hull lose they must hope the Magpies are also beaten.

Newcastle United

Newcastle United If Newcastle lose, they are relegated; if they draw they will stay up provided Hull City lose; if Newcastle win they will be safe provided Hull and Sunderland do not both also win.

Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough If Middlesbrough lose or draw, they are down; if they win they will survive if Newcastle lose and Hull are beaten heavily.