Sky Sports pundits Simeon Gholam and David Prutton analyze the final day of the Championship season, as four teams battle to avoid relegation. Gholam predicts a tense finish, while Prutton expects Cardiff to secure their spot in the division.
Results for: Relegation Battle
Luton Town travels to face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday afternoon, hoping to continue their fight against Premier League relegation. Despite Wolves’ recent poor form, they are favored to win with odds of 9/10, while Luton is priced at 12/5 and a draw at 5/2. Wolves have lost their last four home games and are winless in their last seven matches across all competitions. Luton, on the other hand, has suffered consecutive 5-1 defeats and needs a positive result to enhance their chances of survival. With Forest facing Manchester City on Sunday, Luton sees a significant opportunity against an out-of-form Wolves side.
Despite a valiant effort at the Theatre of Dreams, Sheffield United’s Premier League survival hopes dwindle after a 3-2 defeat to Manchester United. Jayden Bogle and Ben Brereton Diaz handed the Blades the lead on two occasions, but a Harry Maguire-won penalty and a Bruno Fernandes brace ultimately sealed their fate. Sheffield United’s defensive woes continue to haunt them, as they have now conceded the most goals (92) in a 38-game Premier League season, surpassing Derby County’s previous record. With four matches remaining, the Blades face an uphill battle to avoid relegation, with a loss to Newcastle United on Saturday potentially sealing their fate.
Manchester United face Sheffield United in a crucial clash, with both teams facing contrasting fortunes. United, plagued by injuries, seek to avoid another dismal result, while Sheffield United battle for pride amidst their relegation battle. Despite recent struggles, United field a depleted lineup, including Casemiro at center-back. Kickoff is scheduled at Old Trafford, with the outcome holding significant implications for both clubs.
Cole Palmer’s impact on Chelsea has been quantified, revealing the club would currently be battling relegation without the playmaker’s contributions. Palmer’s 20 league goals and 17 assists have played a pivotal role in Chelsea’s performances, with the Blues sitting a dismal 18th in the standings without his involvement.
Gil Vicente hosts Arouca in a crucial Primeira Liga match on Friday, with the hosts aiming to avoid relegation and the visitors aiming to secure their top-six finish. Despite being just three points above the relegation zone, Gil Vicente will be facing a tough challenge against Arouca, who are undefeated in the last 14 meetings between the two teams. With only four games remaining in the season, both teams will be eager to secure a positive result to achieve their respective goals. The match is expected to be a close contest, but Arouca holds a slight advantage due to their impressive form and recent head-to-head record.
The Premier League is facing a potential dispute with Nottingham Forest over the appointment of referee David Coote for the upcoming match between relegation rivals Luton Town and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Forest have expressed outrage after Stuart Attwell, a known Luton fan, oversaw their defeat to Everton last weekend, a game in which they believe they were denied three penalties. The club has demanded the VAR audio from the game and have also lodged a complaint with the Premier League and FA. In response to Forest’s protests, the Premier League has appointed David Coote, a Notts County fan, to officiate the crucial match between Luton and Wolves. This decision has raised concerns for Forest, who are currently one point above the relegation zone with four games remaining. Meanwhile, Simon Hooper has been assigned as the referee for Forest’s clash against Manchester City, despite the club’s previous complaints about his officiating in their defeat to Tottenham earlier this month.
Montpellier HSC host Nantes at Stade de la Mosson on Friday, with both teams seeking different goals. Montpellier has virtually secured safety, while Nantes looks to avoid relegation. Montpellier has won three of their last four matches and is eight points clear of the relegation zone. Nantes, on the other hand, has lost nine straight home games and is five points above the drop zone. Despite their home struggles, Nantes has won four of their last six away games, including a 3-0 victory at Montpellier last year. Montpellier will be without injured left-back Theo Sainte-Luce, while Nantes will miss suspended midfielder Douglas Augusto and injured attackers Moses Simon, Tino Kadewere, and Bastien Meupiyou.
Udinese have appointed former Italy and Real Madrid defender Fabio Cannavaro as their new head coach on a short-term contract until the end of the season. The 50-year-old replaces Gabriele Cioffi, who was sacked following a poor run of form that has left the club hovering just above the relegation zone.
Fabio Cannavaro, captain of Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning team, has been appointed as the new coach of relegation-threatened Udinese in Serie A. Cannavaro replaces Gabriele Cioffi, who was fired after a disappointing run of results. Cannavaro’s appointment marks his return to coaching in Italy after a stint with Benevento in Serie B last season. He will be tasked with guiding Udinese to safety in the remaining six matches of the campaign.