I was originally going to publish this post on my tipping site but as I’m not making any tips then it seemed more appropriate to post it here…here’s my take on three of the games in the last day of the Premier League.
Manchester United v Blackpool
United have now gone 20 home games in the Premier League without a defeat, which means they’re probably due for one soon, possibly at the beginning of next season if they have to play one of the top five teams at home in their first half a dozen games. Having said that, I feel the best case scenario for Blackpool today is probably a draw – I simply can’t see them winning. Even though they’ve not played at Old Trafford since the mid 1970s, Blackpool never had a particularly good record there even when they were regular visitors.
Stoke City v Wigan Athletic
This isn’t clear cut either – when Wigan draw away from home it’s usually a sign that they’re going to at least avoid losing for a couple of games and although I can’t see them winning, it’s worth remembering that they’ve made a big improvement in their away form this season and that Stoke don’t have anything left to play for this season.
Incidentally, Stoke and Wolves have almost identical away records. If Stoke get too distracted by their Europa League campaign next season then they might find themselves in trouble.
Tottenham Hotspur v Birmingham City
One of the reasons Spurs won’t be playing in the Champions League in 2011/12 is because they drew far too many games at White Hart Lane this season. One of the reasons Birmingham probably won’t playing in the Premier League in 2011/12 is because they have won precisely two away games this season and are averaging less than a goal per game overall.
So overall – I can’t see either Blackpool or Birmingham City winning, although Birmingham could pick up a point at Spurs. Wigan probably have the best chance of winning today, but that depends almost entirely on which Stoke side turns up. So apologies to Blackpool fans, but I think you’re going to be playing Championship football again next season.
Related articles
- Roberto Martínez blames January transfer window for relegation woes (guardian.co.uk)
- Premier League preview: Blackpool’s quest to topple the champions (3news.co.nz)
- Manchester United can send Blackpool down (theglobeandmail.com)
- Premier League Preview: Relegation Battle Weekend’s Major Draw (sbnation.com)
- Will Blackpool Avoid Relegation and Stay in the Premier League? (bleacherreport.com)
- 5 Clubs Set for Closest Relegation Finale in Premier League History (epltalk.com)
- Survival Sunday: The Relegation Battle (chefsnews.wordpress.com)
- Roberto Martìnez is confident as ‘fearless’ Wigan head to Stoke (guardian.co.uk)
- Blackpool boss Holloway expecting confusing Survival Sunday (tribalfootball.com)
- The odds on Survival Sunday: Two from Wigan, Blackpool, Birmingham, Wolves & Blackburn (101greatgoals.com)
- Who will stay in the Premier League? (shoutsfromthestands.wordpress.com)
- Survival Sunday Preview Show (EPL Talk Podcast) (epltalk.com)
- Nerves jangle as the moment of truth arrives (independent.co.uk)
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