EPL Relegation Battle: The Final 5 Teams

Around this time last season, everyone had their eyes set on the top of the English Premier League table. Chelsea and Manchester United each had one game left and were separated by a simple point.

That was 2010, and Chelsea won the season. That's not the case this season. Manchester United already won the title and the top of the table is not what people have their eyes set on. Instead, it's the relegation battle. After huge drama last weekend, game-week 37, five teams fight to stay in the EPL. West Ham have already been relegated, but two more spots still need to filled.

Wigan Athletic, Blackpool, and Birmingham all have 39 points, while Wolverhampton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers have 40. Here's a preview of the final week for these teams: 

Last Match: Vs. West Ham; Win 3-2

Next Match: Vs. Stoke City

Honestly, at the beginning of the season, I believed Wigan would be the first to be relegated from the EPL. This looked to be happening when West Ham were up 2-0 at half-time today. But Wigan players kept their heads high and scored three goals in the second half to give them a chance on the final day of the season. Wigan now head to Stoke City who have nothing to play for, except to finish in the top 10. Wigan have the worst goal differential out of the five possibly-relegated teams, but a draw could possibly be enough to keep them in the EPL for another season. 

Last Game: Vs. Bolton Wanders; Win 4-3

Next Game: Vs. Manchester United

Blackpool started off well above expectations but completely plummeted in the second part of the season. Now, they have an extremely difficult test against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Most people would regard this as the worst possible place to play a must-win match. That would be true if Man Utd hadn't yet won the title, but they have, and Alex Ferguson will want to rest players before the Champions League Final. If Blackpool are hungry enough, they could pull out a draw or even a win. They will certainly need DJ Campbell and Charlie Adam, who both scored against Bolton yesterday, to be at their very best.

Last Match: Vs. Fulham; Loss 0-2

Next Match: Vs. Tottenham

You wouldn't normally expect a team that won the League Cup to be facing a relegation battle in that same season. That's the case with Birmingham City. Over the course of the season, it didn't look like the West Midlands team would be having too many problems assuring top-flight soccer next season, but they are now in the middle of a five-way relegation fight. Their last five games in the EPL have consisted of four losses and a tie. Their loss today at the hands of Fulham may be the match that demotes Alex McLeish's side. They face Tottenham at White Hart Lane next weekend, with Spurs aiming for a place in the Europa League. 

Last Match: Vs. Sunderland ; Win 1-3

Next Match: Vs. Blackburn Rovers

Many people regard Wolves as the most annoying or boring team in the EPL. Maybe this is true when the Wanderers play away from home; when they play in front of their home fans, it's great to watch. They have beaten Chelsea, Manchester United, and Manchester City this season at the Molineux. Their home game against Tottenham in March, which ended 3-3, was one of the most exciting games of the season. While Birmingham came into the relegation battle with poor recent form, Wolves have dug themselves out of a humungous hole to give themselves a chance of safety. The game to watch on the final day of the season is Wolverhampton against Blackburn Rovers. They're both on 40 points and the winner stays in the EPL. The loser, you would imagine, would be relegated.  

Last Match: Vs. Manchester United; Tie 1-1

Next Match: Vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers

What would Venky's London Limited do if Blackburn were relegated? The Rovers were purchased by the Indian company last November and there has been speculation that money could be spent to bring big signings to the club. And these "big players" would join a English second division team? Well, this isn't important until after the final match. Blackburn Rovers travel to Wolves in what should be a thrilling encounter. Both teams know that a win means safety. I think Blackburn will be fairly happy about their recent form, with a draw against the Champions and a win against Bolton in their last three games (also a tie at West Ham). 

We all know the five teams left but it is now up to these teams to try their best to stay in the English Premier League for another season. All of these teams have endured painful losses throughout the season, and two of them will feel it once more. It is up to the leaders of the team to step up.

Fixture list:

Manchester United vs. Blackpool

Stoke City vs. Wigan Athletic

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Birmingham City

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Blackburn Rovers