The Premier League has had everything this season. From managers aplenty facing up to the sack to Steven Gerrard and a night club attack (allegedly!). But in all seriousness this season in England’s top flight has undeniably been one of the most eventful and exciting campaigns ever — and at both ends of the table.

While Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United do their best to throw away the title there are arguably more pressing issues facing those clubs locked in a relegation battle. And a battle it most certainly is with no less than nine clubs stuck within ten points of each other with the fear that relegation to the second tier of English football is a distinct possibility.

It is without further ado that I face the music and present to you my personal predictions for the winners and losers in the race to stay alive in the Premier League this season:

Remaining Fixtures/My Predictions:

4th April: West Ham (away) — Draw

11th April: Manchester United (home) — Loss

18th April: Hull (home) — Win

25th April: West Brom (away) — Win

2nd May: Everton (home) — Loss

9th May: Bolton (away) — Draw

16th May: Portsmouth (away) — Loss

24th May: Chelsea (home) — Loss

The Verdict

At the time when Roy Keane decided to jump ship, Sunderland looked in a state of disarray. Ricky Sbragia came in and initially looked the part yet a poor sequence of results in recent weeks (one win in seven Premier League games) has seen the Black Cats slide into trouble.

Like many of the sides battling against relegation to the Championship, Sunderland’s destiny is most certainly in their own hands. Despite having to face the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Everton, Sbragia knows that decent results against West Brom, Portsmouth, Hull and Bolton will reap rewards.

If Kenwyne Jones can keep himself fit for atleast half of Sunderland’s remaining fixtures, the £15million rated marksmen certainly has the ability to fire the Wearside club to safety.

Newcastle UnitedMiddlesbrough

League Position: 19th / Points: 27 / Goal Difference: -21

Remaining Fixtures/My Predictions:

4th April: Bolton (away) – Draw

11th April: Hull (home) – Draw

18th April: Fulham (home) – Win

26th April: Arsenal (away) – Loss

2nd May: Manchester United (home) – Loss

9th May: Newcastle (away) – Loss

16th May: Aston Villa (home) – Win

24th May: West Ham (away) – Loss

The Verdict

Gareth Southgate has been flirting with the sack pretty much from the off during his tenure with Middlesbrough. It has been well documented that Boro chairman Steve Gibson has boldly offered his full support to the former England centre-half at this notoriously important part of the season.

In all fairness to Southgate, it wouldn’t be unfair to suggest that Middlesbrough’s players have to take a share of the responsibility for simply not performing to expectations. Afonso Alves came in with all the hype expected when a Brazilian signs on at the Riverside but he has underperformed. Boro’s supposed ‘star man’ Stewart Downing has hardly set the world alight and Jeremie Aliadiere has only managed two goals from 22 Premier League starts this season (even Ryan Shawcross has managed more in his last four games!).

With morale at an all time low, a whole host of players desperate to leave in the summer and a manager who has seemingly lost the confidence of his dressing room, unfortunately Boro fans I believe that the only way is down for your club this season.