The Vital Run-In

So here we are. The relegation zone. It's not a nice place. Can we escape from it? Who knows with Blackpool nowadays.

What is for sure is that survival in the Premier League is now longer in the Seasiders' hands, so without further ado, let's have a look at who the teams around us play at the weekend...

Wolves v Fulham: Bottom of the table Wolves host draw specialists Fulham who are almost safe you feel. Wolves are always a difficult team to read, but bearing in mind Fulham's love of draws, we'll go for a point here. Wolves 1-1 Fulham

Chelsea v West Ham: The Hammers make the short journey across London on Saturday evening knowing that a win would lift them out of the bottom three. But Stamford Bridge is always a difficult place to go to and Chelsea look like crawling their way back into the title race with five games to go. Expect them to remain on Man Utd's heels this weekend. Chelsea 2-1 West Ham.

Sunderland v Wigan: Sunderland are in freefall whilst Wigan will be boosted by their win over us last weekend. However, Wigan are far from consistent and Sunderland have a decent home record so we'll go for a draw here. Sunderland 1-1 Wigan.

Blackburn v Man City: Rovers host City on Monday night in a big game at both ends of the table. City can struggle to break sides like Blackburn down, but they should have too much for Rovers. Blackburn 1-2 Man City.

Stoke v Wolves: Strictly a midweek game but we'll include it here. Wolves play their game in hand on Tuesday night when they travel to Stoke. Stoke are great at home and a win here would probably see them safe. Stoke 3-1 Wolves.

All of which would leave the table looking like this with Blackpool's result to come...

16. Blackburn - 35

17. Wigan - 35

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18. Blackpool - 33

19. Wolves - 33

20. West Ham - 32

So a win would be required for the Seasiders to move out of the bottom three. Can the 'Pool beat the Toon? Have your say on our forums.

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