The Premier League crown is all but decided, the top four are almost decided and the relegation places are almost decided? Well not really, the relegation mix is going to be one humdinger to follow till the end of the season with almost 6 teams in the fray and fear of getting relegated. The top four might be decided, but Manchester United could fall back if they continue their slide and if things don’t go their way they could be out of the Champions League positions, we look at 3 things to keep an eye for in the Premier League this weekend.
Four no more for Manchester United
Louis Van Gall might have almost ensured Champions League football for Manchester United come the end of the season but the club also picked up another record along the way, the first time United have been unable to score in three consecutive games and they in fact lost at home to West Bromwich Albion.
This weekend, the tie isn’t any easier with Crystal Palace being hosts, remember last season Palace didn’t have much to play for but they battled back to draw with Liverpool 3-3 which was probably one of the games of the season. Alan Pardew might not need to fight with his team for survival, but he surely would love to leave a mark on another big team during the penultimate weekend of the season.
The European competition no one wants but should try to get
Discussing how everyone wants European football but only the Champions League kind, no one really wants to play in the Europa League. While teams like Liverpool and Spurs hope to be part of the Elite competition, they do not want to travel to mostly 2nd tier European ties and have to worry about the Thursday –Sunday games.
However, playing in the Europa League is an easier route back to the Champions League, if you think about it, apart from the 6 group games, you have another 6 games to play before you play the final. The English teams have strong squads and if they use it wisely they could make the Europa League a priority and ensure that they are not only prepared for European football for another season but they can end on a high if they win it. Cup competitions and notoriously known to be for the lucky but sometimes you need to make your own luck.
The amazing race to avoid relegation
QPR and Burnley are more or less assured of playing in the Championship next season, but there are 5 clubs above them which could go down with just 3 games remaining to decide their faith. Sunderland occupies the last relegation spot but are separated from 14th placed Aston Villa by just 2 points and they have a game in hand against the other rivals.
Villa, Newcastle, Leicester, Hull or Sunderland could face the drop at the end of the season and this battle will be the most interesting to follow. Leicester have won 5 out of their last 6 games, Aston Villa are finally scoring goals and doing well, Hull picked up a crucial victory over Liverpool a couple of weeks back while Sunderland are trudging along and hope that extra game could be pivotal for them, worry must be present in the Newcastle camp. The magpies are dropping like a stone and if they are not careful they could go down once again from the Premier League.