With the new Premier League TV deal coming into effect as of next season, relegation is an unthinkable prospect top flight clubs. With just over a month of the season remaining, Outside90 predicts how the relegation battle will unfold.
Current state of play
Aston Villa can be officially consigned to the Championship this weekend, and are therefore out of calculations. The remaining two spots look likely to be filled by two of either Newcastle United, Sunderland, Norwich City and Crystal Palace. Here is how the table looks heading into week 33
16: Crystal Palace – 34 points
17: Norwich City – 31 points
18: Sunderland – 27 points
19: Newcastle United – 25 points
Week 33
In the big fixture, Crystal Palace host Norwich at Selhurst Park. With both teams facing a tough run in afterwards, both will go all out and ultimately they will cancel each other out with a draw. Sunderland will falter to champions-elect Leicester City, while Newcastle will come away from the trip to Southampton empty handed. Midweek Palace will take nothing from the visit of Everton.
16: Crystal Palace – 35 points
17: Norwich City – 32 points
18: Sunderland – 27 points
19: Newcastle United – 25 points
Week 34
Another six pointer will be on the cards that weekend with Sunderland traveling to Carrow Road. Over the years the Black Cats have developed admirable survival instincts, and they will take what could be a crucial three points. As will Newcastle who will face a Swansea side at home with little to play for. The Toon then have a midweek fixture at home to Manchester City, but their poor record against the Citizens means they will suffer a defeat. Meanwhile, away losses to Arsenal and Manchester United (midweek) will have Palace fans nervously looking over their shoulder.
16: Crystal Palace – 35 points
17: Norwich City – 32 points
18: Sunderland – 30 points
19: Newcastle United – 28 points
Week 35
Crystal Palace will not play this weekend due to FA Cup commitments against Norwich’s scheduled opponents Watford. This will open the door for the two North East clubs to close the gap, although both will lose to Arsenal (Sunderland) and Liverpool (Newcastle) respectively.
(Table same as above)
Week 36
Newcastle face a reunion against former manager Alan Pardew in what could be a crucial match. Despite a relentless attack on the Palace area, the match will finish in a stalemate which could be the final nail in Newcastle’s coffin. Sunderland will pick up a valuable point away at Stoke, and Norwich will lose at Arsenal.
16: Crystal Palace – 36 points
17: Norwich City – 32 points
18: Sunderland – 31 points
19: Newcastle United – 29 points
Week 37
In the penultimate week of the season, three of the four sides in question play at home. Palace will fail to break down Stoke City at Selhurst Park, taking a point. As will Norwich in when they host Manchester United. Sunderland will lose at home to a Chelsea side who has had an impressive 2016, and Newcastle will keep their survival hopes alive with a win away at relegated Aston Villa.
16: Crystal Palace – 37 points
17: Norwich – 33 points
18: Newcastle United – 32 points
19: Sunderland – 31 points
Midweek
Before the final day, both Norwich and Sunderland have a game in hand at home to play. Sunderland will force a draw against Everton, and Norwich will be forced to settle for a point against Watford in a disappointing result. This means that Palace are safe, but a big final day awaits.
17: Norwich City – 34 points
18: Sunderland – 32 points
19: Newcastle – 32 points
Week 38
Despite a spirited effort at home to Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle will only muster a point, meaning that they are down. Sunderland will travel to Watford full of confidence, but the Hornets will look to wrap up a very successful first season back in the Premier League, and the match will finish all square at Vicarage Road. This means that despite Norwich losing at Goodison Park, results elsewhere are enough to keep Alex Neil’s men up, and force a Tyne-Wear derby in the Championship next season.
17: Norwich City – 34 points
18: Sunderland – 33 points
19: Newcastle 33 points
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