With 11 games remaining in the Premier League this season, the race to avoid relegation is entering the final furlong.
Three crunch games at the bottom of the table
With 11 games remaining in the Premier League this season, the race to avoid relegation is entering the final furlong.
Just two points separate the bottom five and with four of those sides in action against each other, it promises to be a key weekend in the battle at the bottom.
Bolton host QPR to kick-off proceedings on Saturday lunchtime, before struggling Wolves and Blackburn Rovers contest a six-pointer at Molineux.
At the opposite end of the table, both Manchester clubs play on Sunday while Roberto Di Matteo takes charge of Chelsea for the first time in the league for their clash with Stoke.
Bolton Wanderers have not won a league match since 21st January and have not scored a goal in four of their last five league games. Owen Coyle has a huge task on his hands to see his side move clear of the bottom three, but a home victory against
Queens Park Rangers could see them rise to 16th. Rangers are in a similarly precarious position and have also not taken three points from a game since 21st January. Mark Hughes was appointed by the club to steer them clear of the relegation zone, but he has been unable to improve their fortunes thus far. A point at home to Everton last week will have been encouraging but wins are what both these teams need. Watch them slug it out live on
Sky Sports 2 HD from 12.45pm on Saturday.
Humbled
What a terrible performance from
Wolves last weekend. Terry Connor's men were humbled 5-0 at Fulham as their confidence and goal difference took a severe hit. Connor must pick up spirits because this Saturday
Blackburn Rovers are in town for a crucial encounter. Both sides are level on 22 points after difficult campaigns but despite their troubles, the chance to remain in the top-flight is still on the cards. Wolves' defence has been their problem in recent games - 12 goals have been shipped in their last three matches. That is something Steve Kean and Rovers will be hoping to exploit after snatching a point against Aston Villa thanks to David Dunn's late header. A draw will not really help either team this weekend, so expect a full-blooded tie in the Black Country.
The other side embroiled in the survival battle are
Wigan Athletic, and the rock-bottom outfit travel to
Norwich City for the final game of the weekend on Sunday afternoon. The Latics produced a disappointing display as they fell 2-0 at home to Swansea last time out, with Roberto Martinez's old team putting a dent in his hopes to climb up the table. Wigan have the worst goal difference in the division but a win could see them move out of the bottom three - that would be a major psychological boost for a team that has spent the majority of the last year stuck in the relegation places. Norwich have had a great season but are not in the best form, Paul Lambert's charges having lost their last three games in all competitions. Watch the action live on
Sky Sports 1 HD from 4pm.
At the other end of the table, the Premier League title is now a two-horse race with the Manchester clubs well ahead of the chasing pack. Both sides are in action on Sunday after their Europa League exploits on Thursday night, with leaders
Manchester City making the trip to Wales to face
Swansea. Roberto Mancini's side have been in imperious league form and have not conceded a goal since January,
