Last Wednesday saw a very disappointing result for Hull City, slipping to a one nil defeat away to Blackburn. Though the ridiculous sending off of George Boateng did City few favours, the Tigers did little to help themselves either, and failed to produce the type of high-octane display they have gleefully provided in recent weeks. At least Lee Probert saw fit to rescind the red card and Boateng is free to play in a monstrously big game against West Ham at the weekend.

But let’s not dwell on that result. Blackburn look pretty much safe now, while Phil Brown’s side most certainly do not. With 12 games to go, the Tigers sit on 24 points, just one clear of the drop zone, but only two shy of 13th position. Anyone from that 13th spot downwards is well in this relegation battle in my eyes, so this week I thought I’d have a run down the relegation candidates and see where the crumbling land of Premier League survival lies...

Sunderland are in 13th spot, and although they’ve had a poor run of results, realistically they shouldn’t be in trouble come April. They’re without a win in 14 league games, and have been dropping points against relegation rivals, but I still think they’re too good to be dragged into it. If they can keep Darren Bent fit, they’ll get the three wins they need; if not, that game at the KC on 24 April will be a huge occasion......verdict..... SAFE

Wigan are a real surprise package this season. Having sold several good players in the summer and lost their manager, I really expected them to struggle, which they have to a certain extent. However, Roberto Martinez seems to keep conjuring the odd result here and there, and I can’t really see that changing between now and May. They can be pretty poor a lot of the time, but should have enough good performances to pick up four more wins.........IN THE MIX BUT JUST SAFE

West Ham are level on points with City, and need four more wins. They might just be picking up some momentum at the right time, are usually reliable at home and should have the quality to stay up. They will be helped by the return of Carlton Cole and the unity provided by Sullivan and Gold in the boardroom. Goals are what are needed in a relegation fight, and they, like Sunderland should have enough to see them home. They have some massive games left at Upton Park, starting on Saturday against the Tigers.... SAFE (and climbing)

Wolves are a bit similar to Wigan in that they keep sneaking the odd result you wouldn’t expect them to (who’d have expected them to do the double over Tottenham for example?!). What they lack in attacking ability they make up for in total commitment. Definitely the hardest-working of the teams down there, but hard work only takes you so far. Also, Mick Mcarthy’s men have a very tricky run-in, with few home games you’d really expect them to win. Their last game against Sunderland at home looks crucial to me.....DOWN ON THE LAST DAY

City are starting to show a little bit of form, but need some results on the road to stay up. We still haven’t won on our travels this season, but have games at Wigan, West Ham, Portsmouth and Wigan that look winnable to me. The biggest issue is clearly Bullard. If we get him fit then we’ve got every chance. Phil Brown will also be hoping for some contribution from Amir Zaki in front of goal........SAFE ON THE LAST DAY

Bolton are a team in transition at the wrong time of the season. Owen Coyle seems to be trying to re-invent the wheel, and while he has some good players, trying to make them get the ball down more is proving tricky. With only one league win in ten they’re not a great trot (sorry). I really hope they go down, but have a suspicion they’ll cling on to their Premier League status, thanks to several winnable-looking home games. If they can get Cahill involved before the end of the season, that will also help them at both ends of the pitch.....SAFE

Burnley, along with City and Wolves are the three teams I think will be scrapping it out on the final day. Their away form is shocking, but Brian Laws has managed to keep their impressive home record going. They need at least four wins, and still have the likes of Man City, Liverpool and Tottenham to play at Turf Moor. A bit like the Tigers, if they nick a couple of away wins they could do it, but hopefully for City, they won’t be up to it............DOWN AT THE DEATH

Portsmouth look certainties to go down, but I don’t quite buy that just yet. They’ve got a lot to do, and need 22 points from a possible 39, but I’ve seen enough from them this season to suggest they could string some wins together. They need to win all their home games, and it should be beyond them, but I still feel they’re being written off a little too confidently at the moment...............DOWN, BUT NOT UNTIL MAY 1

What do you think to that then? I’ve tried to be as neutral as possible, and that’s how I see it at the moment. Comments please!

PS. Huuuge game on Saturday at West Ham. A win would be massive but I’d be delighted with a point. I’ll be there so will blog my match reaction first thing Sunday morning.

Cheers,
TC