Friday 15 April 2016 09:39, UK
After providing us with his predictions on how the title race and the top-four battle will play out, Charlie Nicholas looks at the relegation run-in.
Aston Villa will have their relegation confirmed this weekend if they lose any ground on 18th-placed Norwich, who are 13/8 to go down, with Sky Bet making Sunderland and Newcastle odds-on for the drop.
Here's how Charlie expects the relegation battle to unfold...
April 16: Norwich v Sunderland - Norwich are vulnerable at the back, especially with Timm Klose being injured, which is a real blow for them, and I think they'll push on and attack because of the crowd and that might just suit Sunderland. Charlie predicts: Sunderland win
Newcastle v Swansea - This is last-chance saloon for Newcastle, it really is. The pressure is off Swansea but that could make them more dangerous. Charlie predicts: Draw
Manchester United v Aston Villa - United were very impressive at West Ham. This has to be the banker of the weekend and the formality of Villa's relegation will be confirmed. Charlie predicts: Aston Villa lose and are relegated
April 19: Newcastle v Manchester City - Fourth spot still has to be guaranteed for City and for that reason I think they'll get the win here. Charlie predicts: Newcastle lose
April 23: Aston Villa v Southampton - This will be a tough one for Villa to get themselves up for after relegation, whereas the Saints are still playing for a European place. Charlie predicts: Aston Villa lose
Liverpool v Newcastle - Liverpool feel like they are building something for next season and Jurgen Klopp will want to finish the season well. Charlie predicts: Newcastle lose
Sunderland v Arsenal - I can see a draw here, with Arsenal out of the title race by this stage. Charlie predicts: Draw
April 30: Newcastle v Crystal Palace - Will Alan Pardew come back to haunt his old club? I don't think so and am going for a desperate Newcastle to keep their hopes alive. Charlie predicts: Newcastle win
Stoke v Sunderland - I can see Sunderland losing this one as Stoke pursue a club record points tally in the Premier League. Charlie predicts: Sunderland lose
Watford v Aston Villa - Fair play to the Villa fans still showing up by this stage. Charlie predicts: Aston Villa lose
Arsenal v Norwich - Home win. Norwich aren't the sort of side that can put Arsenal under physical pressure and home fans will be demanding a response. Charlie predicts: Norwich lose
May 7: Norwich v Manchester United - I still see Manchester United being in the top-four race and maintaining their hopes here. Charlie predicts: Norwich lose
Aston Villa v Newcastle - Newcastle need to be in the mix by this stage, with Norwich and Sunderland to play their games in hand, and I can see that pressure getting to them. Charlie predicts: Draw
Sunderland v Chelsea - Again I think Sunderland will get something with Chelsea on their holidays at this stage. Charlie predicts: Draw
May 11: Norwich v Watford - The Hornets play a big part in the final week and it could come down to their FA Cup interests. Charlie predicts: Draw
Sunderland v Everton - Sunderland will be nervous in front of their home fans and I would expect them to grind out a point. Charlie predicts: Draw
May 15: Arsenal v Aston Villa - I can only see a heavy home win on the cards as Arsenal vent their frustrations against sorry Villa. Charlie predicts: Aston Villa lose
Everton v Norwich - This is a hard game when you need a win and I think Everton will want to put in a performance, be it to prepare for the FA Cup final or apologise to their frustrated fans. Charlie predicts: Norwich lose and are relegated
Newcastle v Tottenham - With the worst goal difference of the three, I see them being all but down by now, whereas Tottenham are fighting for second. Charlie predicts: Newcastle lose and are relegated
Watford v Sunderland - Watford might rest a few if they're in the FA Cup final. Sunderland to get the required point here. Charlie predicts: Draw and Sunderland stay up
Who will be coming up in the other direction? Find the Sky Bet Championship title predictor here.
