Norwich and Newcastle in big trouble

 

After a telling weekend at the dangerous end of the Premier League, Christian Crowther takes a closer look at the candidates for the drop and their survival chances...

 

Even though there is technically the potential for every team in the bottom half to get the Premier League flush, these six appear the most vulnerable...

 

Aston Villa, 13th (40 points) 28.0to be relegated

Paul Lambert's defiant Villa side put the cat firmly amongst the pigeons with a second consecutive Premier League win at fellow relegation contenders Norwich. With  other weekend results going their way, the Villans moved up to a heady 13th place, the highest position they've reached since matchday four in September. Much may yet  depend on their last-day showdown with Wigan at the DW Stadium but, based on current form, Villa should keep above water.

 

Southampton, 14th (39 points) 34.0 to be relegated

After stringing together wins over Liverpool, Chelsea and Reading, the Saints form has dipped alarmingly in the ensuing four games, as they've picked up just two  points from a possible 12. Suddenly the Mauricio Pochettino effect has worn off and early season defensive frailties are creeping back in. Games against Sunderland and  Stoke give them massive chances for blow striking, however, at a bigger price than Villa currently, the outsiders to go down certainly offer the best value. Experience  of the situation is lacking at St Mary's.

 

Sunderland, 15th (38 points) 7.8 to be relegated

It was all looking pretty bleak for Sunderland at 1-0 down and a man down before they battled back to earn a precious point at home to Stoke on Monday night. Out of  the three teams stuck on 38 points, Paolo Di Canio's side certainly appear the best positioned to escape the drop with a far greater goal difference than Norwich and  Newcastle. A tricky looking trip to Champions League chasing Tottenham on the last day makes three points in their home game against Southampton imperative though.

 

Norwich, 16th (38 points) 4.4 to be relegated

Canaries fans will have long been expecting to get embroiled in the scrap after just two wins in 19 games have seen them slide perilously into 16th. Chris Hughton's  side have spluttered their way to just four points from a possible 18 available and have the look of an under invested squad which could easily end up plying their  trade at Championship level next season.

 

Newcastle, 17th (38 points) 5.6 to be relegated

The nightmare that is Newcastle's 2012/13 season continued with a 0-0 draw at West Ham when only three points at this stage of the season will suffice. Are they too  good to go down? The short answer is categorically no. With a horrific goal difference to boot, a Wigan win against Swansea will see the Magpies drop into the bottom  three with two games to go. A win at Loftus Road could be their saviour but, at the current price, Geordie misery may be worth backing.

 

Wigan, 18th (35 points) 2.48 to be relegated

The perennial escapees were up to their old tricks at West Brom on Saturday afternoon, somehow escaping The Hawthorns with all three points. Victory in Tuesday's game  in hand against Swansea, themselves winless in seven league games, is paramount to their survival cause but, after so many seasons performing miracles, this price  holds more value for the lay. All eyes on the DW Stadium then.

 

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