Bolton, Birmingham, Reading or Fulham – Relegation Beckons But For Which Two
The end of the season is nigh and what’s great is competition is still rife in all areas of the league. So with this in mind from now until D-Day, Judgement Day, Silverware Sunday - or whatever appropriately titled pun Sky Sports creatively(!) come up with - I am sticking my neck on the line (after looking at the stats mind) and predicting who’ll go down, who’ll lift the trophy and who’ll nap fifth place. Today - it’s the R word.
It’s the word that make teams shudder; the mere thought of relegation is enough to make the teams blood run cold but as we approach the final game of the season, it is still a possibility for four sides and four sets of supporters.
Believe in Bolton?
Undoubtedly with the trickiest of fixtures out of the relegation potentials, Trotters fans cannot breathe easy just yet. They have only managed two points from their last six meetings with Chelsea although encouragingly both draws were at the Bridge. Their last outright win against Chelsea came four and a half years ago back in December 2003 and that only came about due to an injury time own goal by John Terry. So with Chelsea geared up and fighting for something themselves, Bolton fans are probably not holding out much hope for a result in this one.
This may not spell the end of Bolton’s Premiership life though as recent results (10 points from a possible 12) have seen them step clear of the drop zone. Three clean sheets out of four has also helped rapidly improve their goal difference which is now better than the other three teams, considerably so in Reading and Fulham’s case - talk about finding their form at the right time!
Even with a defeat, Bolton live to see another Premiership season (home win). Survive!
Blues for Birmingham?
If there is one thing manager Alex McLeish can do its pull a cat or two out of the bag when required - just ask the Scottish national team. McLeish’s entrance cast a ray of light over St Andrews and a 3-2 winning debut over Tottenham ensured the ray beamed that while longer.
However, sunshine has been a rare commodity at this Midlands club in recent weeks and are now shoved down to 19th following their 2-0 defeat to a fighting Fulham, their Premiership lives looks certain to be cut short after just a year.
The Blues host Blackburn on the final day of the season - a team they have enjoyed much success against fans will be happy to hear. In their last two meeting at St Andrews, Birmingham have earned three points in both including two seasons ago when Blackburn finished in the lofty heights of sixth and City saw relegation. My point is Birmingham are more than capable of beating Blackburn; they did just that even when there was 11 places between them.
Birmingham make it a hat trick of home wins over Rovers but still bow out of the top flight (home win - but it doesn’t mean much). Relegation!
Relief for Reading?
What a difference a year makes. After taking to the Premiership like the proverbial duck to water last season, Reading seemingly forgot their sea legs this time around. Currently situated in the final relegation place, Reading have one final get out of jail free card - playing the league’s whipping boys Derby.
With just one win under their belt, Derby have gone beyond playing for pride; they are just desperate for the season to end and put this complete and utter nightmare behind them. But irony is far from lost in football and how ironic would it be if they finally found some form, producing their second win of the season and ultimately drag the Royals down with them?!
Not wishing to tempt fate in any way, shape or form but I can’t see a Derby win happening, last game of the season or not (away win). Survive - just!
Frustration for Fulham?
Like their fellow Londoners, West Ham, did last season, Fulham have steadily been mimicking their own version of The Great Escape. After being in the relegation zone since Boxing Day, survival looked bleak. But three wins in their last four games sees them slink clear of the bottom three and move into 17th albeit on a very tentative knife edge.
They face Portsmouth on Decider Day - another potential Sky Sports pun - and have to overcome some rather damaging historical stats to avoid the drop. Portsmouth tend to enjoy playing Fulham - they have picked up 11 points out of a possible 15 from their past 5 meetings.
The last time Fulham managed to beat Pompey was in April 2005. That was at home though and to find Fulham’s last away win you’ll need to go back another 5 years to the 99/00 Championship when Fulham were 9th and Portsmouth a dismal 18th. It’s two very different side who’ll meet this weekend.
Grit and determination will only get Fulham so far (draw). Relegation!
I’m sure others will have very different ideas. Voice them here then put your money where your mouth by putting them to the Premier 10 test. Play now>>
Tags: Birmingham City, Blues, Bolton Wanderers, COttagers, Fulham, Premier League football, Reading, relegation, ROyals, Trotters
May 6th, 2008 at 12:00
If I told you Reading are playing Derby at Pride Park would your predictions change?
May 6th, 2008 at 12:06
Sorry Rob, my mistake. But no, i’d still have Reading down to win and survive the relegation tussle. Do you think otherwise?
May 6th, 2008 at 12:08
Reading are away at Derby not at home!(YOU HAVE GOT YOUR FIXTURES WRONG)
I think Derby could get a drawa at home, Reading no goals in 5 games!!!! .
If Fulham lose and Birmingham win then Reading are relegated.
I think you have got your facts mixed up
May 6th, 2008 at 12:24
Good spot Richard. I’ve apologised for my mistake - no one’s prefect now are we and i’ve changed my prediction accordingly.
I’ve got Fulham down to draw, not lose so they’d finished the season on 34 points. If Birmingham and Reading both won, City would be on 35 points and Reading on 36 therefore Fulham and Birmingham would go down and Bolton and Reading would survive.
May 6th, 2008 at 12:59
Why have you put Bolton in this?? Have you not seen any football or read a paper over the weekend??? Why do you think they were celebrating so much at the final whistle?
They are 3 points ahead of both Fulham and Reading and have a +9 goal difference on Reading. So to predict them to stay up is hardly rocket science. This is abysmal journalism and an embarrassment!! Do you actually get paid for this??
May 6th, 2008 at 13:53
Bolton have a +11 goal difference on Reading. Now who’s looking silly Mick?
May 6th, 2008 at 16:59
Why are Bolton in this, please explain
May 6th, 2008 at 19:51
Bolton will beat Chelsea 3-0 and then buy Anelka back in the summer along with Drogba and Ronaldo.
May 6th, 2008 at 21:58
I am the ginger one!!!
May 7th, 2008 at 00:25
It makes the ‘writer’ look even more stupid for adding Bolton to it Snout, I am not paid to do this, they are. Do you think Bolton have any chance whatsoever of going down or do you have some sense?????