*****EPL Relegation Watch 2019*****

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Aston94
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As the calendar turns to March and EPL teams look forward to their last 8-9 matches of the season, the attention of many clubs and their fans is directed towards the bottom of the EPL table, how they can avoid the bottom 3 and stay in the Premiership for another season.

As a Fulham fan, I must say this year's relegation battle leaves me somewhat saddened, as it appears that we have two clubs (one being Fulham) that are destined for relegation. I loved Huddersfield's resolve last season to stay afloat, but it doesn't look like either Hudderfield or Fulham have the ability to win matches this season, and it would take a miracle to save either.

But, the fight for the final relegation spot does look like it will be a competitive one, and possibly we could see a club with 35-40 points endure relegation in the third position. So we will begin tracking results and schedules for those teams who are in the relegation battle. As in year's past teams may come and go, but for now there appears to be a clear line for those teams which are a part of the relegation discussion.


Current Standings:
13 Newcastle United 34 points (30 Games Played)
14 Crystal Palace 33 points (30 Games Played)
15 Brighton and Hove Albion 33 points (29 Games Played)
16 Southampton 30 points (30 Games Played)
17 Burnley 30 Points (30 Games Played)
18 Cardiff 28 points (30 Games Played)
19 Fulham 17 points (30 Games Played)
20 Huddersfield Town 14 points (30 Games Played)

Here is a brief look at the clubs currently in the relegation battle:


13. Newcastle United (34 Points, -9 Goal differential). The Magpies started off the season abysmally, going winless in their first 10 PL matches, claiming only 3 points over that period. But they have turned things around and are recently in a good run of form, going 5W-2L-1T in their last 8, including a home win over Manchester City. Newcastle's schedule is pretty light down the stretch as they only have two more matches against top 6 clubs (@ Arsenal and Liverpool-H) so their form should serve them well as they look to avoid a real relegation battle.

14. Crystal Palace (33 points, -5 goal differential). Palace have had a season that has seen them avoid the big losing streaks like they faced last season, but they have not been able to put together consistent wins either. Their current form should be sufficient to keep them above the relegation line, as they have gone 3W-2L-2T in their last 7. The Eagles do have matches remaining at Arsenal and Tottenham, as well as a home rematch with Manchester City (whom Palace beat at the Ethiad in December), but given their current form the club should find enough points in their other matches to avoid a real scare.

15. Brighton Hove and Albion (33 points, -10 goal differential). Much like Palace, Brighton have had an up and down season which has seen them avid the big stretches of losses but also fail to find a way to string together wins. Brighton have won their last two matches over Huddersfield and Palace, so they appear to be hitting a good stride at the right time. The schedule is a bit difficult down the stretch as they still have matches remaining away to Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal, with the final match of the season being home to Manchester City, so getting points against lesser opponents will be critical.

16. Southampton (30 points, -16 goal differential). At this time last year Southampton found themselves in 16th place, looking to keep their heads above the relegation line. This year, Southampton find themselves in 16th place, two points clear of the relegation line. The Saints have had a tough stretch of games as of late, traveling to Arsenal and Manchester United, as well as hosting Tottenham, but the club played well at United and beat Tottenham, so there is again hope that they will be able to keep their heads above water once again. Southampton does have the easiest stretch now through the end of the season, with the only top 6 test remaining being a home match with Liverpool, so if the Saints claim points from the matches they should then their chances of avoiding relegation appear very bright.

17. Burnley (30 points, -23 goal differential). Following last season's magical run to a top 7 position and a spot in the Europa League, there was concern whether this club could keep up that kind of pace. Those fears have been realized as Burnley now see themselves just on the outside of the relegation spots in 17th place. The season started off poorly, as the club claimed just 2 victories from their first 15 matches. The Clarets looked to have righted their ship in January and February, but they have now lost their last three PL matches, which has seen them drop again to this precarious position. Burnley will need to get points when they should over their last 8, as they have difficult matches remaining with Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal.

18. Cardiff City (28 points, -30 goal differential). Cardiff are looking to avoid relegation following their promotion to the PL last year, but it will be a difficult task for the club. It took the Bluebird a while to get going in the PL this year, claiming their first victory in their 9th match of the season, and that being against fellow promoted club (and fellow relegation dweller) Fulham. The club has gone 3-3 in their last 6, so there is hope that they can catch Burnley or Southampton, but the schedule down the stretch is a bear, with remaining matches against Chelsea, Man City, Liverpool and Manchester United. Going to be tough for Cardiff to avoid a "one and done" season in the PL.

19. Fulham (17 points, -40 goal differential). Speaking of one and done, it looks like my beloved Fulham are all set for an immediate return back to the Championship after one season in the EPL. Fulham have given up more goals than any other club in the top 5 leagues in Europe and 11 more than any other club in the EPL. That is historically bad defense. The club is now on coach number 3 for the season, and bless Scott Parker's heart, but I don't think there is enough magic in the world for the club to avoid relegation this season. Wins in the Whites last 8 matches (they have won 4 of their first 30) would get them to 41 points, which should be enough to avoid relegation, but that appears what it will take, and the chances of this club winning 8 matches in a row are less than a snowball's chance in hell.

20. Huddersfield Town (14 points, -38 goal differential). Huddersfield were my favorite relegation story of last season, as the club miraculously stayed above the line and got to enjoy a second season in the EPL. This season does not appear to be quite the same story, as the club has struggled all year long, winning only 3 matches out of 30. Their snowball's chances in hell are even less than Fulham's, so it appears Huddersfield should be planning for a Championship run next season.

While two relegation spots seem all but assured, the battle for spot #3 in the relegation fight will be a good one, so there is much to look forward to!

Key Weekend Relegation Matches:

Saturday
Bournemouth v. Newcastle (10am, Vitality Stadium) NBC Gold. AFC Bournemouth are looking for back-to-back victories after triumphing at Huddersfield Town last time out. Newcastle United, who lie one place and three points behind their hosts, are aiming for a fourth win in five matches. With a loss Bournemouth clould find themselves in the relegation discussion, so this is a big match for both clubs. Newcastle won 2-1 when the clubs met earlier this season at St. James.

Burnley v. Leicester (10am, Turf Moor) NBCSN. Burnley are seeking to halt a three-match losing run after slipping into 17th place, just two points above the relegation zone, while Leicester City are looking for a third win in four matches. The clubs tied 0-0 in the prior match back in November at King Power. This will be a big match for Burnley as they desperately need 3 points from home matches.

West Ham v. Huddersfield (10 am, London Stadium). NBC Gold. West Ham United are aiming for a third win in five matches as they entertain bottom side Huddersfield Town, who are seeking to avoid a third straight defeat. West Ham are unbeaten in their three Premier League matches against Huddersfield. The Hammers have not lost a PL home match against the side starting the day bottom of the table since February 2007. If you are watching this match you are either a masochist or a Hammers fan, or in that case likely both.

Sunday

Fulham v. Liverpool (9:15 am, Craven Cottage). NBCSN. Fulham are without a win since January, when they came back from 2-0 down to beat Brighton & Hove Albion 4-2 at Craven Cottage. Liverpool have drawn their last three Premier League matches away from Anfield and have scored just once on their travels since a 1-0 win at Brighton in January. Fulham are looking for their first point against Liverpool since a 1-0 win at Anfield in May 2012. The Reds are unbeaten in their last 11 PL matches against promoted sides (W10 D1), winning the last eight in a row. So the Cottagers run of 8 straight wins begins here!!!! Well, maybe not.

Off this weekend (FA Cup weekend):
Crystal Palace
Brighton Hove and Albion
Southampton
Cardiff

Enjoy the weekend!
jeffk
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Thank you for your service.
Mathguy64
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Good stuff as always! Coveted blue parachute.
gig them
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I can't wait for Cardiff/Burnley on GW34

Cardiff will almost certainly need a full three points, so they'll pin their ears back and run at the Turf Moor for 90 minutes.

That usually doesn't end well, but they likely won't have a choice.
Mathguy64
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Wow. Burnley played 11 v 10 for the last 87 minutes and managed to lose 1-2. Those were points they may really regret not taking.
OregonAggie
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Thanks for doing this every year. It's one of my favorite threads on the soccer board.


I'm hoping Southampton play well enough to stay up as they're my 2nd favorite team in the EPL. I really like their coach and they've typically played an attacking brand of soccer.
Aston94
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Well if you watched the games this weekend you have a pretty good idea why some of these teams are facing relegation. Heartbreaking losses and a seeming inability to close out games are par for the course at the bottom of the table. We had some exciting games, but mostly bad results for our relegation battlers.

Saturday
Bournemouth 2-2 Newcastle A stoppage-time equalizer from Matt Ritchie earned Newcastle United a 2-2 draw with AFC Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium. Salomon Rondon put Newcastle ahead in first-half stoppage time with a brilliant free-kick, but three minutes after the break Bournemouth were level through Joshua King's pronely kick. King put the home side ahead with less than 10 minutes remaining, but in time added on, Ritchie arrived unmarked at the back post to hit a sweet half-volley into the roof of the net to earn Newcastle a point. Newcastle remain 13th with 35 points.

Burnley 1-2 Leicester. Wes Morgan scored a 90th-minute winner as 10-man Leicester overcame Burnley 2-1 at Turf Moor. Harry Maguire was shown red after just four minutes having fouled Johann Berg Gudmundsson when he was through on goal. James Maddison put Leicester in front but Dwight McNeil drew Burnley level seven minutes before the break. Jack Cork and Chris Wood both has chances as Burnley looked to go ahead before Morgan headed in Youri Tielemans' cross to send Burnley to a home defeat....against a 10 man squad. Yikes.
Defeat keeps Burnley in 17th, two points above the bottom three.

West Ham 4-3 Huddersfield. Chicharito came off the bench to score twice and lead West Ham United to come from 3-1 down to beat Huddersfield Town 4-3 at London Stadium. Mark Noble put the Hammers in front from the penalty spot on 15 minutes after Aaron Rowe fouled Manuel Lanzini. Juninho Bacuna headed in Aaron Mooy's corner to level the scores before Karlan Grant put the Terriers ahead on the half-hour. Grant extended the lead after the break with a superb strike before Angelo Ogbonna pulled a goal back. Chicharito made it 3-3 with six minutes to play before winning the match with another header in the first additional minute.With the heartbreaking loss Huddersfield remain bottom on 14 points.


Sunday

Fulham 1-2 Liverpool. James Milner's late penalty sent Liverpool back to the top of the Premier League as he sealed a hard-fought 2-1 victory at Fulham. Sadio Mane opened the scoring in the 26th minute. Scott Parker's side were rewarded for their persistence when former Reds winger Ryan Babel capitalized upon a defensive mix-up to tap in from close range on 74 minutes. However, Liverpool clinched three points when Rico spilt Mohamed Salah's shot before fouling Mane when chasing the rebound. Liverpool substitute Milner stepped up to score the 81st-minute penalty.Fulham stay 19th on 17 points, 13 from safety.


Current Standings:
13 Newcastle United 35 points (31 Games Played)
14 Crystal Palace 33 points (30 Games Played)
15 Brighton and Hove Albion 33 points (29 Games Played)
16 Southampton 30 points (30 Games Played)
17 Burnley 30 Points (31 Games Played)
18 Cardiff 28 points (30 Games Played)
19 Fulham 17 points (31 Games Played)
20 Huddersfield Town 14 points (31 Games Played)

No matches this week as the relegation clubs lick their wounds and enjoy a welcome international break.
ChipFTAC01
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Thanks for doing this one of my favorite threads every year.
Aston94
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Current Standings:
13 Newcastle United 35 points (31 Games Played)
14 Crystal Palace 33 points (30 Games Played)
15 Brighton and Hove Albion 33 points (29 Games Played)
16 Southampton 30 points (30 Games Played)
17 Burnley 30 Points (31 Games Played)
18 Cardiff 28 points (30 Games Played)
19 Fulham 17 points (31 Games Played)
20 Huddersfield Town 14 points (31 Games Played)

The EPL is back and here is a look at the key relegation games for this weekend:

Fulham v. Man City (7:30am, NBCSN)- Calling any game with Fulham in it a "key" match is a misnomer, they are done. Man City is looking to claim the title and need three points. This could be ugly.

Brighton v. Southampton (10am, CNBC)- Now this is a key relegation match as both clubs are just outside the bottom 3 and both will want three points. Our first 6-pointer of the season, Brighton desperately need to claim 3 points at home and get themselves away from the cut line. Southampton are even in more dire straits as they sit just 2 points above 18th. Should be a great game!

Burnley v. Wolverhampton (10am, NBC Gold) if you had said at the beginning of the season that the Wolves would be traveling to Turf Moor and one team would be in 7th looking to secure a place in Europe and the other would be desperate for points just out of the bottom 3, I am sure you would have flipped these two, but it is Burnley who desperately need points today at home while the Wolves are flying high in 7th. Big home match for Burnley.

Crystal Palace v. Huddersfield (10am, NBC Gold)- Oh, Huddersfield play today too. They are just about eliminated from any hope of staying up. Today might be the official end.

Sunday:

Cardiff v. Chelsea (8am, NBCSN)- Cardiff begins their tough run of games with a home game against Chelsea, who are desperate for points in their pursuit of a top 4 spot. Cardiff currently are 18th, two points away from 17th, so keeping contact with clubs above them is vital. Big game in Cardiff on Sunday.

Enjoy the weekend!!!
OregonAggie
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Huddersfield officially relegated. Glad Southampton got the win!!
Mathguy64
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Tied for the earliest relegation ever.
PJYoung
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wangus12
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Still mad that Cardiff got ****ed over this weekend
ChipFTAC01
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My Tranmere Rovers have had a great season in Their first season back in league play. Currently in 5th place (top 3 automatically are promoted and next 4 play for a fourth spot) in league two on a 6 game win streak and unbeaten since Feb 5. Some tough games left against the top 3 teams, but if they can grind out some points they've got a clear path to top 3 and back to league one.
ThunderCougarFalconBird
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Fulham officially gone after 4 - 1 depantsing by Watford.
byfLuger41
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Aston,

I know how much time you put into this thread each year and on behalf of all the regulars, thank you.


Appreciate the work.
2017 World Series Champions - Houston Astros
Aston94
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Smith&Co1970 said:

Aston,

I know how much time you put into this thread each year and on behalf of all the regulars, thank you.


Appreciate the work.
Thanks Smith, enjoy doing it.
gig them
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I don't know where else to put this, so I'll throw it here because its lower league football

OregonAggie
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That's awesome hahahahaha
ChipFTAC01
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gig them said:

I don't know where else to put this, so I'll throw it here because its lower league football




So great
PJYoung
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So yeah, that was just a strange little joke from the home side.

Aston94
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Current Standings:
14 Burnley 36 Points (33 Games Played)
15 Newcastle United 35 points (33 Games Played)
16 Brighton and Hove Albion 33 points (31 Games Played)
17 Southampton 33 points (32 Games Played)
18 Cardiff 28 points (32 Games Played)
19 Fulham 17 points (33 Games Played)-eliminated
20 Huddersfield Town 14 points (33 Games Played)-eliminated


Fulham and Huddersfield are now officially eliminated, leaving one spot open for relegation this season. Cardiff look like a team who appears destined to go down, claiming only 3 points from their last 5 matches (going 1-4-0 over that period). I have included Burnley and Newcastle in the discussion, but both clubs are realistically a win or two from securing their safety. As I am typing this report Newcastle are up on Leicester 1-0 in the 81st minute, so they are well on their way to safety. The race looks like it will be between Brighton, Southampton and Cardiff. If Cardiff continue their current form we might have this all wrapped up in a week or two.

Key Weekend Relegation Matches
Friday:

Leicester v. Newcastle (2pm, NBCSN, King Power Stadium)- As I mentioned above, Newcastle are currently leading this game in the 81st minute thanks to a goal in the 32nd minute by Ayoze Perez. A win today would move Newcastle to 10 points clear of Cardiff with 5 matches to play for the Welsh club, and would put 3 other clubs between the Magpies and relegation. Newcastle are very close to being out of relegation talk for this year.

Saturday:

Brighton Hove & Albion v. Bournemouth (9am, NBC Gold, Amex Stadium). Brighton host fellow south coasters in Bournemouth on Saturday, with Brighton looking to pull themselves away from the bottom of the table. Brighton could move to within two points of AFC Bournemouth, who are 13th. Both have lost their last two successive PL matches. Brighton have lost only one of their last 14 home matches in all competitions against AFC Bournemouth. The Cherries won six of their opening 10 PL matches this season, but since then they have won five of their 23 league fixtures. Only relegated Fulham and Huddersfield Town have lost more PL matches than the Cherries since November. So this game is a real opportunity for Brighton to put some space between themselves and Cardiff.

Burnley v. Cardiff City (9am, NBCSN, Turf Moor). Biggest match in the relegation battle this weekend as Sean Dyche is looking to make it three Premier League wins in a row for Burnley, while defeat for Cardiff could leave the third-from-bottom Bluebirds eight points adrift of safety. Burnley manager Sean Dyche has never lost against Neil Warnock, winning four and drawing one of his five matches against the Cardiff City boss. The Bluebirds have lost five of their last six PL matches, with a victory against West Ham United the only exception in that run. Cardiff must claim some points from this game or they run the real risk of being left for dead in the relegation battle.

Southampton v. Wolverhampton (9am, CNBC, St. Mary's Stadium). Southampton host the Wolves and will be seeking a third PL victory in four matches to boost their hopes of avoiding relegation, while Wolves will be looking to complete a double over Saints, having beaten them 2-0 at Molineux in September. This will be just the second time Southampton will host Wolves in a Premier League match. Wolves have not kept a clean sheet in any of their last 12 PL away matches and are without a win in their last four on the road. Big opportunity for the Saints to put some space between themselves and relegation.

Enjoy the weekend!
Aston94
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Final from Leicester: Newcastle win 1-0. Big 3 away points for the Magpies as they look well on their way to avoiding relegation.
Mathguy64
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Cardiff is going to feel like everyone is against them. The horrible goal awarded to Chelsea before. Now today Burnley gets a goal that easily could have been ruled offside for a player next to the GK who arguably obstructed in on offside position. And then Dean initially awards a PK for handling against Burnley and Dean ends up (correctly IMO) waving it off after a discussion with his AR. The same AR who missed the offside and who actually talked Dean into the PK call in the first place.
Aston94
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Was a real separation week in the EPL as several clubs claimed vital wins, while others fell flat on their face. We have a big game Tuesday that might just seal the fate of this year's relegation clubs.

Weekend Results:

Leicester 0-1 Newcastle. Newcastle United's prospects of remaining in the Premier League were given a huge boost as Ayoze Perez's first-half header secured a crucial win against Leicester City at King Power Stadium.
Salomon Rondon fired a free-kick against the crossbar for Newcastle before Perez glanced Matt Ritchie's cross in the 32nd minute. Kasper Schmeichel kept out another Perez effort on 76 minutes before Jamie Vardy had the best chance for Leicester, but he lifted his effort over the bar. The win sends Newcastle up to 13th on 38 points, 10 points above 18th-placed Cardiff City, with five matches left to play for the Magpies.

Brighton Hove & Albion 0-5 Bournemouth. The stage was set for Brighton to make their stand and show us all that they were worthy of an EPL spot for next season. A home match against a struggling squad gave Brighton the perfect opportunity to secure three points and distance themselves from 18th place Cardiff. Instead, Brighton laid an egg, conceding 5 goals at home to a club that was a few points from being in the relegation battle themselves. Brighton have now been outscored 9-0 in their last three matches. Not a good time of the season to implode.

Burnley 2-0 Cardiff City. Read this game summation in the Guardian and loved it: A game featuring a referee's change of heart over a controversial penalty award, a player booked for twice kissing an opponent and two headed goals from Chris Wood was never dull. If it was a little bad-tempered at times it probably reflected the tension of a relegation six-pointer that ended with Burnley all but mathematically safe and Cardiff travelling to a freefalling Brighton on Tuesday knowing victory could still boost their slim hopes of staying in the Premier League. Couldn't have said it better myself. Huge three points for Burnley, really secures their spot for next season in the EPL.

Southampton 3-1 Wolverhampton. Nathan Redmond scored twice to secure Southampton's third win in four PL matches. Redmond opened the scoring after just two minutes when he converted Josh Sims' low cross. Willy Boly equalised for Wolves on 28 minutes with a header from Joao Moutinho's corner, but Southampton soon retook the lead. The returning Danny Ings put Redmond through and he calmly lifted the ball over Rui Patricio for his fifth goal of the season. Shane Long assured the Saints a victory in the 71st minute with his second goal in two matches. The win lifts Saints up to 16th with 36 points, eight from the bottom three.

Current Standings:
14 Burnley 39 Points (34 Games Played)
15 Newcastle United 38 points (34 Games Played)
16 Southampton 36 points (33 Games Played)
17 Brighton and Hove Albion 33 points (32 Games Played)
18 Cardiff 28 points (33 Games Played)
19 Fulham 20 points (34 Games Played)-eliminated
20 Huddersfield Town 14 points (34 Games Played)-eliminated


Midweek Game:

Brighton v. Cardiff (Tuesday, 1:45pm, NBCSN, Amex Stadium). We only have one EPL midweek game this week, but it is a tasty 6-pointer as 17th place Brighton host 18th place Cardiff. Cardiff City will be hoping to do the double over Brighton & Hove Albion by sealing a win that will revive their hopes of avoiding relegation and deal a blow to the Seagulls' prospects of doing likewise. As Neil Warnock said after his club's loss over the weekend, a loss today by Cardiff and this thing is all but over. Brighton have only lost one of their last nine home league matches against Cardiff (W3 D5). This is the match of the year in the relegation battle, should be must watch drama!

Enjoy the Game!
Gordo14
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mathguy86 said:

Cardiff is going to feel like everyone is against them. The horrible goal awarded to Chelsea before. Now today Burnley gets a goal that easily could have been ruled offside for a player next to the GK who arguably obstructed in on offside position. And then Dean initially awards a PK for handling against Burnley and Dean ends up (correctly IMO) waving it off after a discussion with his AR. The same AR who missed the offside and who actually talked Dean into the PK call in the first place.


Add in the very sad story of the big signing of Sala...
Mustang1
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And Cardiff win 2-0
gig them
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Mustang1 said:

And Cardiff win 2-0

Excellent. It would have been a shame to have no drama whatsoever with this many games remaining.
Aston94
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Weekday Results:

Brighton 0-2 Cardiff. Cardiff won a mammoth, must win match and in the process gave a major boost to their hopes of avoiding relegation with their victory over Brighton. Goals from Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and Sean Morrison mean the 18th-placed Bluebirds are now only two points behind Brighton with four matches remaining. Cardiff took the lead in the 22nd minute when, after dribbling on the counter-attack from his own half, Mendez-Laing received the ball back from David Junior Hoilett and put his shot into the top corner from 25 yards out. Morrison doubled their advantage five minutes into the second half by heading in Victor Camarasa's free-kick. Brighton battled but Glenn Murray fired over, before heading against the post in stoppage time as Chris Hughton's side lost a fourth consecutive match without scoring. Brighton look like a team in real trouble now, with Cardiff nipping at their heals, although they do have a game in hand and still lead by 2 points.

Current Table:
15 Newcastle United 38 points (34 Games Played)
16 Southampton 36 points (33 Games Played)
17 Brighton and Hove Albion 33 points (33 Games Played)
18 Cardiff 31 points (34 Games Played)
19 Fulham 20 points (34 Games Played)-eliminated
20 Huddersfield Town 14 points (34 Games Played)-eliminated


Key Weekend Relegation Matches:

Saturday:

Wolverhampton v. Brighton (9am, NBCSN, Molineux Stadium). Brighton will look to recover quickly from a terrible run of home matches as they travel to Wolverhampton for a Saturday match with the Wolves. Wolverhampton have had a strong season and currently sit eighth. The Wolves will be aiming for a second victory in three matches and are looking to claim a place in Europe next season. Brighton now lie just two points above the relegation zone after Tuesday's defeat by Cardiff City and are seeking to avoid a fifth successive Premier League loss. Wolves have a better points-per-match ratio against the current top six PL sides this season (1.3) than they do against the teams in the bottom six (1.1). Brighton have won their last three league fixtures against Wolves, keeping a clean sheet each time, and have only lost two of their 14 matches at Molineux (W7 D5 L2).
The Seagulls are looking for only their second PL away win in nine attempts (W1 D1 L6), and their first clean sheet on the road in 12 matches. Brighton need to get their season back on track, and soon, or they risk being passed by Cardiff and put into relegation.

Newcastle v. Southampton (11:30am, NBC, St. James Park). Relegation match of the weekend as we have a six-pointer between two clubs looking to distance themselves from the bottom three. Both sides are looking for a second successive victory and a larger gap above the relegation zone. Newcastle United sit 15th, seven points clear of the bottom three, while Southampton are one place and two points below their hosts, but have a match in hand. Expect a close game on Saturday as seven of Newcastle's ten EPL wins this season have come by one goal. Ayoze Perez has been involved in five goals in his last six EPL home matches for Newcastle, scoring four and assisting another. Southampton have only lost one of their last nine PL matches against Newcastle (W4 D4), although that defeat came in this fixture last season when they succumbed to a 3-0 loss. Saints are looking to secure consecutive PL away wins for the first time since March 2017, having won at Brighton in their last match on the road.

Sunday:

Cardiff v. Liverpool (10am, NBCSN, Cardiff City Stadium). Cardiff City are aiming to build on Tuesday's crucial victory over relegation rivals Brighton & Hove Albion and move out of the bottom three, while EPL leaders Liverpool are targeting a sixth successive Premier League win. Cardiff have lost their three PL meetings with Liverpool, conceding 13 goals. Victor Camarasa has scored in his last two PL home matches, as many as he had in his first 12 at the Cardiff City Stadium in the competition. Liverpool have won their last nine PL matches against promoted sides, scoring 27 goals and conceding just three. They have never won 10 such matches in a row in the competition. With 19 PL goals this season, Mohamed Salah can become just the third Liverpool player to score 20 in consecutive PL campaigns, after Robbie Fowler in 1994/95 and 1995/96 and Luis Suarez in 2012/13 and 2013/14. Cardiff will be looking to eek a point from the match and keep in contact with the clubs above them.

Should be a great weekend for EPL soccer, Happy Easter and Enjoy the Weekend!

GrapevineAg
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Newcastle are safe.
Aston94
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Weekend Results:

Saturday:

Wolverhampton 0-0 Brighton. Heroic goalkeeping from Mat Ryan helped Brighton & Hove Albion claim a vital point and edge away from the relegation zone with a goalless draw. The Brighton goalkeeper saved twice from Wolves substitute Leander Dendoncker, the first after a goalmouth scramble and the second a firm block of a header. Diogo Jota had the best of the other chances for the home side. He clipped the crossbar at the end of the first half and his header struck the post prior to Dendoncker's effort that was saved by Ryan. A deserved clean sheet earned the Seagulls a share of the points. It keeps them in 17th on 34 points, three above Cardiff City.

Newcastle 3-1 Southampton. Ayoze Perez scored his first hat-trick for Newcastle United to earn the Magpies a 3-1 victory over Southampton and assure the club safety from relegation. Perez put Newcastle ahead in the 27th minute when he held off Maya Yoshida, before firing into the bottom corner. He doubled Newcastle's advantage four minutes later when he got on the end of Salomon Rondon's cross to finish. Southampton improved in the 2nd half and pulled a goal back in the 59th minute when substitute Mario Lemina curled in a shot. But Perez sealed the win and claimed the hat trick when he diverted in Matt Ritchie's header, securing a second successive win that lifts Newcastle to 12th on 41 points, 10 off the relegation zone. Southampton are 16th with 36 points, five points clear of 18th place Cardiff.

Sunday:

Cardiff 0-2 Liverpool. Cardiff's hopes of avoiding relegation were dealt another blow as Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League table with a 2-0 victory thanks to second-half goals by Georginio Wijnaldum and James Milner. Wijnaldum made the breakthrough in the 57th minute when he scored off Trent Alexander-Arnold's corner with a fierce strike. Sean Morrison had a chance to equalize, but the Cardiff captain was unable to guide the ball into an empty net. Cardiff were made to rue that miss when James Milner sealed the win with an 81st-minute penalty after Mohamed Salah was brought down in the area. The Reds go two points clear at the top with 88 points from 35 matches, having played a match more than second-placed Manchester City. Cardiff remain in the bottom three, with 31 points from 35 matches played.

Current Table:
16 Southampton 36 points (34 Games Played)
17 Brighton and Hove Albion 34 points (34 Games Played)
18 Cardiff 31 points (35 Games Played)
19 Fulham 23 points (35 Games Played)-relegated
20 Huddersfield Town 14 points (35 Games Played)-relegated


Key Mid-Week Relegation Matches. Both Southampton and Brighton have a game in hand on Cardiff, and both will play that extra match on Tuesday, as they look to further extend the gap between themselves and Cardiff. I look for both Brighton and Southampton to try and eek out a point from these matches, putting a little more distance between themselves and relegation.

Tuesday:
Tottenham Hotspur v. Brighton (1:45pm, NBCSN, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium). Tottenham will be aiming to keep their place in the top four and Brighton will be seeking to build on Saturday's goalless draw at Wolverhampton and increase their three-point gap above Cardiff City in the battle for safety. Spurs have not lost an EPL home match on a Tuesday since August 2007, when they were defeated 3-1 by Everton. They have won seven matches and drawn one since then. Brighton are looking for their first victory over Spurs in six matches in all competitions, having last beaten them in April 1983, in the league. The Seagulls are aiming to score for the first time in six PL fixtures. Their goalless run is the longest current streak in the EPL and ties Southampton for the longest total this season.

Watford v. Southampton (1:45pm, NBC Gold, Vicarage Road). Watford are targeting a third win in four Premier League matches and a place in Europe next season while Southampton are seeking to bounce back from Saturday's loss and increase their five-point gap above the bottom three. Watford have conceded in their last eight PL matches, the longest current run in the competition. Since beating Southampton in six consecutive meetings between November 2004 and October 2008, Watford have only managed one victory in their last 11 matches against them in all competitions (D5 L5), a 2-0 win in September 2017.

Aston94
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AG
Now seems like a good time to give an update on the lower leagues and their promotion-relegation battles:

Championship (top 2 are automatically promoted to EPL and clubs 3-6 go into playoff for final promotion spot, bottom 3 are relegated to League One, clubs play a 46 game regular season)

1 Norwich City 44 GP 88 points
2 Sheffield United 44 GP 85 points
3 Leeds United 44 GP 82 points
4 West Bromwich Albion 44 GP 77 points
5 Aston Villa 44 GP 75 points
6 Derby County 43 GP 67 points
7 Middlesbrough 44 GP 67 points
8 Bristol City 43 GP 66 points
9 Sheffield Wednesday 44 GP 63 points
10 Swansea City 43 GP 62 points

Norwich look in a solid position to claim an automatic spot while Sheffield and Leeds battle out for the other automatic spot. The top 5 positions look safe, with a battle for that final spot in the playoffs.

20 Reading 44 GP 46 points
21 Millwall 43 GP 43 points
22 Rotherham United 44 GP 40 points
23 Bolton Wanderers 44 GP 32 points-relegated
24 Ipswich Town 44 GP 28 points-relegated

Ipswich and Bolton have been officially relegated, with the real battle is for the last spot as Rotherham are currently in 22nd, and Millwall and Reading are just safe. Reading is one point from safety.

League One (top 2 are automatically promoted to Championship and clubs 3-6 go into playoff for final promotion spot, bottom 4 are relegated to League Two, clubs play a 46 game regular season)

1 Luton Town 43 GP 90 points
2 Barnsley 44 GP 88 points
3 Portsmouth 43 GP 86 points
4 Sunderland 43 GP 84 points
5 Charlton Athletic 44 GP 82 points
6 Doncaster Rovers 43 GP 69 points
7 Peterborough United 43 GP 66 points
8 Coventry City 44 GP 64 points

It is a tight battle for the top two spots, with Luton and Barnsley slightly ahead of a pack. The top 5 are assured at least a spot in the playoff, with a battle for the final position between Doncaster, Peterborough and Coventry City.

18 Accrington Stanley 43 GP 48 points
19 Southend United 44 GP 47 points
20 Plymouth Argyle 44 GP 47 points
21 S****horpe United 44 GP 46 points
22 AFC Wimbledon 43 GP 45 points
23 Walsall 44 GP 43 points
24 Bradford City 44 GP 37 points-relegated

Really tight battle to avoid relegation in League One, as only Bradford City have been assured a spot in League Two for next year. The other three spots are really up for grabs between 6 clubs.

League Two (top 3 are automatically promoted to League One and clubs 4-7 go into playoff for final promotion spot, bottom 2 are relegated to non-league football, clubs play a 46 game regular season)

1 Lincoln City 44 GP 85 points-promoted
2 Bury 44 GP 77 points
3 Mansfield Town 44 GP 76 points
4 MK Dons 44 GP 76 points
5 Forest Green Rovers 44 GP 73 points
6 Tranmere Rovers 44 GP 72 points
7 Exeter City 44 GP 66 points
8 Colchester United 44 GP 64 points
9 Carlisle United 44 GP 64 points
10 Stevenage 44 GP 64 points
11 Newport County 43 GP 64 points
12 Oldham Athletic 43 GP 62 points

Lincoln City have officially claimed a spot in League One for next season, with it being a 4 team race for the other two automatic spots. 6 of the 7 promotion/playoff spots are secure with it being a wild race for the final position as 6 clubs are within 4 points of that position, and the lower two having a game in hand. Take a look at Forest Green Rovers, the club that miraculously was promoted to League football last season. Is now assured a place in the promotion play-off this season.

22 Macclesfield Town 44 GP 40 points
23 Yeovil Town 44 GP 38 points
24 Notts County 44 GP 38 points

The battle to avoid falling into the abyss of non-league football is down to three teams, and all three are battling to be the one who claims the last safe spot in League football. Yeovil Town and Notts County currently sit in the doomed positions, but only trail Macclesfield by 2 points.
Mathguy64
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AG
Looking forward to the time Barnsley makes it all the way up so we can have Barnsley v Burnley.

And Lincoln City is a cool story. They were in non-league play a couple of years ago and went deep in the FA cup. I wonder if that cash infusion did the trick?
ThunderCougarFalconBird
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AG
Good to see Tranmere threatening to head up again into league one. They were dropped to non-league a few years back.
OregonAggie
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I hope Leeds United find a way back into the premier league. I was a huge Leeds fan as a kid and they just completely fell by the wayside.
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