Will the Magpies or Tigers be shot down?

Hull needs a win against Manchester Utd on the final day to avoid the drop but Andy Penders believes Steve Bruce can break his 17-year hoodoo

There is only one more game left of the season in the Barlcays Premier League and one of three teams – Sunderland, Newcastle United or Hull City – could join the already relegated QPR and Burnley in the League Championship next season.

Which is the last team that will go down? We take a look at the last match of each of the clubs at risk.

Hull City vs Manchester United – Sun, 24 May

The simple maths of it all is that Hull City needs three points against Manchester United to stand even a chance of staying up. Anything less and it will be relegated.

The Tigers will be buoyed by the decent first-half showing against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, despite eventually going down 2-0 at White Hart Lane. However, it has been a difficult time for Steve Bruce who has had to contend with midfielder Jake Livermore being suspended for testing positive for cocaine.

“We have to believe that we can beat Manchester United,” claimed Bruce, and why not? The Red Devils have nothing to play for but pride, now that third place and automatic Champions League qualification is beyond them. Although, by the same token, a side playing in a relaxed mode can often fair better than a side with all to
play for.

Prediction: Hull City 1-0 Manchester Utd

Newcastle United vs West Ham United – Sun, 24 May

On paper, Newcastle has the easier of the games to be played by the relegation-threatened sides but the Magpies know that only a win will guarantee top-flight football next season. One point from the last ten games certainly suggests that they will struggle to get anything out of the game.

“It’s one of the biggest matches in the club’s history,” said manager John Carver, who also pleaded with the fans to be the side’s 12th man. The game will certainly mark Carver’s last game in charge at St James’ Park and, given the team’s recent form, I can only imagine a goalless draw is on the cards.

Prediction: Newcastle 0-0 West Ham

Chelsea vs Sunderland – Sun, 24 May

I’m sure I’m allowed to point you to last season’s result at Stamford Bridge when Sunderland came from behind to snatch a 2-1 win over Chelsea, courtesy of goals from Connor Wickham and Fabio Borini. With the Blues having nothing to play for and not really caring if they even get a point, I can see the Black Cats securing Premier League safety.

Prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Sunderland

Who Will Go Down?

Steve Bruce has not beaten Manchester United in his 17 years as a manager but I have a sneaky feeling his Tigers can get three points from their home game at the KC Stadium, with the Red Devils having nothing to play for.

I feel Newcastle will get a draw against West Ham, a goalless one at that. Meanwhile, Sunderland will have to battle hard for a point against Chelsea but it’s highly possible with Chelsea’s recent loss to West Brom.

In the final shake up, it means that Newcastle might well be relegated because of its significantly poorer goal difference. What drama at the end of another exciting Premier League season!

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[su_note note_color=”#b4f1fa”]About Andy Penders

Andy Penders (@andypenders) is the Head of Sports at #RedCardConnect. Andy previously worked at ESPN Star Sports, Fox Sports, Mio Stadium and Zoom Sports.[/su_note]