SUNDERLAND:Played: 37 Points: 35 GD: -24 Tomorrow: Home v Manchester Utd
ONE of three north-east clubs fighting for their lives Sunderland are arguably in the best position with fate in their hands – although FA Cup finalists Chelsea are tough opponents. Ricky Sbragia’s team are two points clear of the drop zone and will survive as long as both Newcastle and Hull do not win – but relying on other results is a dangerous game if Sunderland are to avoid a season, which promised so much, turning into disaster following the departure of Roy Keane.
HULL CITY (17th):AFTER a surprisingly positive start to the season the Hull find themselves hovering precariously above the relegation zone. At home to Manchester United, Hull must at least equal Newcastle's result to preserve their top-flight status.
Their task may be helped by United manager Alex Ferguson leaving out some of his big guns ahead of next week’s Champions League final – and at least Hull’s fate is in their own hands, even if their recent form is poor.
NEWCASTLE UTD (18th):WHEN Alan Shearer returned to St James' Park he was hailed as the saviour who would save Newcastle from relegation – but time has almost run out. He has one last chance to save his beloved club from the drop, although things are out of their hands. Newcastle need a win at Aston Villa to give themselves the best chance of escaping the drop, yet if they cannot pick up the three points, a draw could be enough – if Hull lose at home to Manchester United.
MIDLESBROUGH (19th)
THE team facing the most daunting task this weekend. Their current tally of 32 points leaves them three points from safety – and their only hope of survival is if they win at West Ham United and Newcastle United lose at Aston Villa, while at the same time turning around a worryingly inferior goal difference. Relegation looks almost imminent for Gareth Southgate’s Middlesbrough, who are entirely reliant upon the results of clubs around them.
