[Archived] Relegation Watch

[DP]

Looking at those fixtures, and even on the back of that terrible performance last weekend. we'd really have to screw up badly to be relegated (touching wood here). Newcastle and Boro both have extrememly difficult tasks and the 2 teams who've recently fallen in there (Hull and Sunderland) play each other this weekend. I have a sneaky feeling Newcastle will bag the 3 wins they need and stay up on goal difference to Hull.

I can still see us needing a nervous point to be safe come the last game though, and that will not be a pleasant experience.

[Shabani]

I'd agree with bringing Gally back if at all possible, hes on top form, scoring goals, fully fit and can do a job in probably 3 positions for us

[Hughesy]

Im confident we will stay up. However it will be much more nervous times ahead if we lose to Stoke.

West Brom, Boro & Hull to go down.

[DE.]

Alan Shearer selects a Newcastle side for the third time and is still seeking a first win. The Magpies are on their joint longest winless sequence of the season of seven matches, and deep in relegation trouble.

Spurs have won five of seven league games, and lost one of eight. They've been upwardly mobile under Harry Redknapp, who's taken them out of the mire and to the verge of a Europa League place.

The Magpies' only win in eight Premier League games in London since December 2007 was a 1-4 victory over Tottenham on 30 March last year. Indeed Newcastle are hunting a third successive Premier League win at Tottenham to complete the double for the fifth time over Spurs in this league and the third season in a row.

Newcastle have scored more Premier League goals against Tottenham than any other club (55).

Distance between the clubs: 284 miles (458 kilometres)

Newcastle make the longest journey of any club playing Premier League football this weekend.

Will be an interesting game. If they'd beaten Stoke Newcastle could get away with a draw or possibly a loss here, but now they really need it to be a win.

[modes98]

I'd stick Blackman on the bench at least for fresh legs up top if needed

With the form he has shown for the reserves it is definately worth a go. If he scores then it could really help his development, if he doesn't then we haven't lost anything.

[brfcs5359]

West Broms Fixtures - Points 25

To far behind. Must win at City

West Ham v West Brom, 20:00

West Brom v Bolton, 15:00

West Brom v Stoke, 15:00

Portsmouth v West Brom, 15:00

Man City v West Brom, 15:00

West Brom v Sunderland, 15:00

Tottenham v West Brom, 15:00

West Brom v Wigan, 15:00

West Brom v Liverpool, 15:00

Blackburn v West Brom, 16:00

Hulls Fixtures - Points 34

Relying in Newcastle after this weeks defeat at Sunderland. Stoke at home a MUST MUST win. Look like joining Boro, WBA in the Championship.

Wigan v Hull, 13:30

Hull v Portsmouth, 1

Middlesbrough v Hull, 15:00

Sunderland v Hull, 15:00

Hull v Liverpool, 15:00

Aston Villa v Hull, 15:00

Hull v Stoke, 15:00

Bolton v Hull, 15:00

Hull v Man Utd, 16:00

Stokes Fixtures - Points 39

Almost out of it now with today's late win over Blackburn

Stoke v Middlesbrough, 15:00

West Brom v Stoke, 15:00

Stoke v Newcastle, 17:30

Stoke v Blackburn, 15:00

Fulham v Stoke, 15:00

Stoke v West Ham, 15:00

Hull v Stoke, 15:00

Stoke v Wigan, 15:00

Arsenal v Stoke, 16:00

Newcastle Fixtures - Points 30

Portsmouth and Boro at home 6 pointers. Can't see 3 wins from these 6.

Newcastle v Arsenal, 17:30

Newcastle v Chelsea, 15:00

Stoke v Newcastle, 17:30

Tottenham v Newcastle, 15:00

Newcastle v Portsmouth, 20:00

Liverpool v Newcastle, 15:00

Newcastle v Middlesbrough, 15:00

Newcastle v Fulham, 15:00

Aston Villa v Newcastle, 16:00

Portsmouths Fixtures - Points 37

Finally came good with late late home win to Bolton. Only need the odd draw now from the 6 tough fixtures left.

Portsmouth v Everton, 12:45

Hull v Portsmouth, 15:00

Portsmouth v West Brom, 15:00

Portsmouth v Bolton, 15:00

Man Utd v Portsmouth, 20:00

Newcastle v Portsmouth, 20:00

Portsmouth v Arsenal, 15:00

Blackburn v Portsmouth, 15:00

Portsmouth v Sunderland, 15:00

Wigan v Portsmouth, 16:00

Middlesbroughs Fixtures - Points 31

Must beat Fulham but after that it looks all over. It's all over after today's draw. We are looking at a Fulham job or West Ham job now or bye bye Boro.

Stoke v Middlesbrough, 15:00

Bolton v Middlesbrough, 15:00

Middlesbrough v Hull, 15:00

Middlesbrough v Fulham, 15:00

Arsenal v Middlesbrough, 13:30

Middlesbrough v Man Utd, 15:00

Newcastle v Middlesbrough, 15:00

Middlesbrough v Aston Villa, 15:00

West Ham v Middlesbrough, 16:00

Blackburns Fixtures - Points 34

Late defeat at Stoke a blow. Still only one point lost. The key the 3 home games AND The next 3 games in general. Striker problems worrying.

Blackburn v West Ham, 15:00

Blackburn v Tottenham, 12:45

Liverpool v Blackburn, 12:45

Stoke v Blackburn, 15:00

Blackburn v Wigan, 16:00

Man City v Blackburn, 15:00

Blackburn v Portsmouth, 15:00

Chelsea v Blackburn, 15:00

Blackburn v West Brom, 16:00

Sunderland Fixtures - Points 35

The next two are CUP FINALS. Part 1 complete with poor 1-0 win over Hull. Part 2 next week at WBA could see Sunderland pushing for safety.

Man City v Sunderland, 15:00

West Ham v Sunderland, 15:00

Sunderland v Man Utd, 15:00

Sunderland v Hull, 15:00

West Brom v Sunderland, 15:00

Sunderland v Everton, 15:00

Bolton v Sunderland, 15:00

Portsmouth v Sunderland, 15:00

Sunderland v Chelsea, 16:00

[Billy Castell]

I think we should be looking at how to get to the Ricoh Arena. Unless Sam tries a more attacking tactic we will go down and Waggy will be gloating like mad. Sam has been throwing away what he has built up.

[Bobby G]

We need two wins to stay up.

The first MUST be at home to Wigan. Things could look much better next Sunday. I hope.

[G Somerset Rover]

We need two wins to stay up.

The first MUST be at home to Wigan. Things could look much better next Sunday. I hope.

Things could alternatively look much worse tomorrow afternoon if the Toon roll over a safe Spurs.

It really riles me up that we've let ourselves get into the situation of must-win games. This season has just been pathetic - right through the club from the actions of the board to the performances on the pitch.

[Anti-Dingle-Brigade]

Wigan are playing well this season. I think a win there would really really help.

[SoccerHQ]

You'll still be o.k but your goal difference is a bit @#/?.

Boro really need a win today as their next two are Manure and Arsenal and they only have 3 games after that, two of them away. Their goal difference is also @#/? which is worth an extra point at this stage of the season.

Big wins for Stoke, Pompey and Sunderland, all 3 should be alright now.

So comes down to one place and three teams, you lot, Hull and Newcastle.

Hull are the team in freefall and have now lost their away from which has keep them midtable all season. Two of their remaining home games are also against Manure and Liverpool and their goal difference isn't very good. Oh dear. Really struggling to get much more than 37-38 points imo.

Similar for Barcodes. Can't see them getting much away so will come down to their 3 home games and can't see them just reeling off 3 home wins just like that so 37-38 points for them.

So 5-7 points will do it for you. You'll lose at Chelsea but can see you picking up something in the other games. Point at City (where you have a very good record) and you'll only have yourselves to blame if you get yourselves relegated with your last home games, Wigan, Pompey (who'll be safe by then and so won't be bothered) and West Brom who are just awful.

[brfcs5359]

You'll still be o.k but your goal difference is a bit @#/?.

Boro really need a win today as their next two are Manure and Arsenal and they only have 3 games after that, two of them away. Their goal difference is also @#/? which is worth an extra point at this stage of the season.

Big wins for Stoke, Pompey and Sunderland, all 3 should be alright now.

So comes down to one place and three teams, you lot, Hull and Newcastle.

Hull are the team in freefall and have now lost their away from which has keep them midtable all season. Two of their remaining home games are also against Manure and Liverpool and their goal difference isn't very good. Oh dear. Really struggling to get much more than 37-38 points imo.

Similar for Barcodes. Can't see them getting much away so will come down to their 3 home games and can't see them just reeling off 3 home wins just like that so 37-38 points for them.

So 5-7 points will do it for you. You'll lose at Chelsea but can see you picking up something in the other games. Point at City (where you have a very good record) and you'll only have yourselves to blame if you get yourselves relegated with your last home games, Wigan, Pompey (who'll be safe by then and so won't be bothered) and West Brom who are just awful.

Pretty much agree except Sunderland. They have a tough fixture list and MUST win at WBA. WBA have had fantastic stats all season for possesion and positional play and abysmal for defensive blunders and wasted chances. They should have beaten us there and many other teams to all season. I would not put that down as a banker. Remember Bury in 1980? Easy home win last game and we lost. I seem to recall that happening again since then.

Rovers fortunes at the moment seem to be made more easy with the performance of Hull and Newcastle. Anyone remember Fulham last season? Rovers must get wins.

I wanted Paul Ince as manager because we played to win and he wanted a team that would take the game to opposition. I did not want Allardyce because of what we are getting now. We are chasing ourselves down a spiral staircase tactically with this long ball style.

I also object to playing RSC out on the right wing. What was Allardyce trying to prove. And not recalling Gallagher and Derbyshire is criminal. Gally especially as he is head and shoulders above what we are putting out now in 2 or 3 positions.

If Ince had not appointed 2 buffoons in the background, not acted like an arrogant individual, accepted that free flowing attacking football was good but with Rovers it would take time. Accepted than Benni to Sunderland for £8m was an easy decision (SELL). Accepted that defending is important, not a distraction then we may be picking up more points now than we currently are. Ince could have been the future but sadly he ballsed it up.

However, Roberts has missed from 6 yards so many times we should be on 44 points not 34. The rest of the team might be to blame for another 10 points but we should be safe by now.

[SoccerHQ]

Remember Bury in 1980? Easy home win last game and we lost. I seem to recall that happening again since then.

Nah, don't support you lot sorry. Hope you say up anyway.

WBA are rubbish against physical teams, you'll eat them alive.

I agree under Ince you probably played better football but defensively you were a mess and a key player like Warnock under-performed dreadfully under him.

[DE.]

Pretty much agree except Sunderland. They have a tough fixture list and MUST win at WBA. WBA have had fantastic stats all season for possesion and positional play and abysmal for defensive blunders and wasted chances. They should have beaten us there and many other teams to all season. I would not put that down as a banker. Remember Bury in 1980? Easy home win last game and we lost. I seem to recall that happening again since then.

Rovers fortunes at the moment seem to be made more easy with the performance of Hull and Newcastle. Anyone remember Fulham last season? Rovers must get wins.

I wanted Paul Ince as manager because we played to win and he wanted a team that would take the game to opposition. I did not want Allardyce because of what we are getting now. We are chasing ourselves down a spiral staircase tactically with this long ball style.

I also object to playing RSC out on the right wing. What was Allardyce trying to prove. And not recalling Gallagher and Derbyshire is criminal. Gally especially as he is head and shoulders above what we are putting out now in 2 or 3 positions.

If Ince had not appointed 2 buffoons in the background, not acted like an arrogant individual, accepted that free flowing attacking football was good but with Rovers it would take time. Accepted than Benni to Sunderland for £8m was an easy decision (SELL). Accepted that defending is important, not a distraction then we may be picking up more points now than we currently are. Ince could have been the future but sadly he ballsed it up.

However, Roberts has missed from 6 yards so many times we should be on 44 points not 34. The rest of the team might be to blame for another 10 points but we should be safe by now.

We should, but we're not.

If Ince had done all of those things, graham, he'd be a totally different manager. He was and never would have been the solution to our problems.

I thought after beating Hull, Fulham and Spurs we were over "must win" fixtures, but here we are again, with Wigan IMO now a 'must win' - lose or draw that and we're setting ourselves up for a return to the Championship.

[brfcs5359]

We should, but we're not.

If Ince had done all of those things, graham, he'd be a totally different manager. He was and never would have been the solution to our problems.

I thought after beating Hull, Fulham and Spurs we were over "must win" fixtures, but here we are again, with Wigan IMO now a 'must win' - lose or draw that and we're setting ourselves up for a return to the Championship.

I did think at the time, though Ince would not accepted it, that Allardyce should have been paid to come in as 'defensive coach and assistant manager' till the end of the year, Ince's backroom fired and Ince given more time (with Allardyce) to come good. In the end I do not care much for Ince or Allardyce, just Blackburn Rovers. And if Ince could have brought the panache football that did sporadically illuminate our early season style to Allardyce's more sober qualities, we would be doing ok now.

However Jason Roberts has cost us 10 points from 6 yards out this season that for me you can forget all the other criticisms, Roberts is the difference between being above West Ham and in Europe and where we are now.

[Paul Mellelieu]

Boro must be down now. And I'm sure we'll get more points than Hull, which means we should be OK. This from someone who's had us relegated since November.

[brfcs5359]

Boro must be down now. And I'm sure we'll get more points than Hull, which means we should be OK. This from someone who's had us relegated since November.

and likely to get more points than Newcastle.

I had us down for around 44 points;

draw WHU

win SPUDS

lose SCOUSERS

draw STOKE

..... and home wins/away defeats thereafter

[MCMC1875]

and likely to get more points than Newcastle.

I had us down for around 44 points;

draw WHU

win SPUDS

lose SCOUSERS

draw STOKE

..... and home wins/away defeats thereafter

So did I - but we might sneak a point at City.

[RevidgeBlue]

I wasn't really expecting Boro to get four points from their last two games tbh.

They've given themselves half a sniff as opposed to being gone already.

Like us Newcastle have 3 very winnable home games on paper which would take them to 39 points.

We still need at least two more wins. Draws in isolation aren't good enough.

[Guest Vinjay606]

Can't really play for a point at Man City and Chelsea can't be treated as a complete write off.

Defeat against Wigan would be disastrous. As for Portsmouth I'm demanding a win against them. Not beating a team with Brian Kidd involved in coaching would be unacceptable.

At least WBA look like the best opposition for a last day fixture. No excuses not to win that.

[BRFC1995]

I did think at the time, though Ince would not accepted it, that Allardyce should have been paid to come in as 'defensive coach and assistant manager' till the end of the year, Ince's backroom fired and Ince given more time (with Allardyce) to come good. In the end I do not care much for Ince or Allardyce, just Blackburn Rovers. And if Ince could have brought the panache football that did sporadically illuminate our early season style to Allardyce's more sober qualities, we would be doing ok now.

However Jason Roberts has cost us 10 points from 6 yards out this season that for me you can forget all the other criticisms, Roberts is the difference between being above West Ham and in Europe and where we are now.

and roberts is also the work aholic striker we've been missing recently, sod his finishing his general attitude and the work rate combined with his strength gives the opposition defenders something to think about................stoke defenders could have brought deckchairs yesterday

[nicko]

Has it been spotted by anyone that West Brom could win against puffed-out Man City today - and then have a home game with Sunderland to bring them back into it?

Just to make the weekend complete...

[sambo]

Nicko, why do you always try and be so dramatic?!?!

[jonv]

the truth is as dramatic as things get at the moment

[tony gale's mic]

Boro - will be very hard for them to catch us. Can't see them getting any more than six points from their final games (and thats if they win at St James' and beat Villa at home) and so four points would see us be ahead of them. And if they beat Newcastle it'll just drag the Geordies down.

Hull - Have got 7 points out of a possible 48 in the last 16 games. Matches against Liverpool (h), Villa (a), Man U (a) to come, plus an away fixture at Bolton. Only real winnable one is their home game vs Stoke. Four points maximum from them, identical goal difference but their remaining fixtures will probably hurt them more than ours. Again, four points should see us ahead of them.

Newcastle - 3 potentially winnable home games. Who knows what will happen there, as ever, but if Hull and Boro play to form then it shouldn't be too much of an issue.

Sunderland could also find themselves in the mix too quite easily despite yesterday's win.

Four points should see us safe, although upsets do happen and should probably make it five to be sure. But we should be facing an already down West Brom, so even if worst comes to worst we lose against Wigan, a point against City and Pompey each plus a win home to West Brom would likely see us safe. We should also be hoping Man U get the title sown up so Chelsea put out a weakened team against us with an FA Cup final and potentially a Champions League final looming.