Relegation Battle Preview

Last updated : 11 February 2011 By Paul Neat

Although many North End fans may have thrown in the towel there are still 54 points to be played for. Thus, the Lilywhites aren’t dead and buried just yet.

Iain Hume

However, if Phil Brown’s side are to pull off the great escape then they are going to have to rely on results from elsewhere going their way.

With that in mind, here is your comprehensive guide to the relegation battle for this weekend’s fixtures concerning those who are also desperately trying to tread water.

Cardiff City Vs Scunthorpe United

Venue: Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff

Date: Saturday 12th February

Kick-off: 3:00 PM

Form:

Cardiff City overall LWDWDW Cardiff City home LDWWWD
Scunthorpe United overall LLLDLL Scunthorpe United away LLWLLL

North End players and fans alike will be hoping that former favourite Jon Parkin can do the Lilywhites a favour by firing a goal or two past the Iron on Saturday.

Scunthorpe

Scunthorpehave picked up just one point from their last six outings and are yet to pick up points on the road this side of the New Year. The Bluebirds on the other hand have lost just once in their last six matches and will be buoyed by the derby win over Swansea last Sunday.

Odds

Cardiff City 4/11 Draw 7/2 Scunthorpe United 8/1

Sheffield United Vs Millwall

Venue: Bramall Lane, Sheffield

Date: Saturday 12th February

Kick-off: 3:00 PM

Form:

Sheffield United overall LDDLLL Sheffield United home WWLDLL
Millwall overall DWLWLW Millwall Away DDDDLL

With the Blades’ recent run of four home games on the spin without victory coupled with Millwall’s spell of six without a win on the road, this clash looks nailed on to be a draw.

Micky Adams

The Blades have only managed 15 goals in front of their home crowd all season whilst the Lions have just 14 on their travels. A low-scoring stalemate is a distinct possibility for this game but as it’s Micky Adams’ Sheffield United who occupy that much coveted 21st spot, a North End need a Millwall win.

Odds

Sheffield United 7/4 Draw 23/10 Millwall 6/4


Coventry Vs Crystal Palace

Venue: Ricoh Arena, Coventry

Date: Saturday 12th February

Kick-off: 3:00 PM

Form:

Coventry City overall LDLLLL Coventry City home WLLDDL
Crystal Palace overall WLDDDW Crystal Palace away LDLLLD

Palace’s dismal away record along with Coventry’s last home win, which dates back to early December, suggest that this match will also be a draw. Coventry’s run of 6 games without a win see’s the Sky Blue’s lurking precariously in lower-midtable just 5 points from the drop zone.

Claude Davis

Palace, on the other hand, haven’t won away from home since October, a feat that remains their only victory on the road this season.

Odds

Coventry 11/10 Draw 12/5 Crystal Palace 12/5

North End Vs Hull City Match Preview