While both halves of Manchester spark open the champagne this evening and revel in their respective clubs’ new silverware, those teams ensconced in the battle at the foot of the table can only grin and bear it as the tension was racked up another notch today.
When a team’s Premier League existence is on the line, this time of the season produces some extraordinarily gutsy performances from those threatened with the drop and there‘s always one or two Fantasy Bargains to be had near the bottom. This afternoon, Wolves and Blackpool grabbed the goals and three vital Premier League points apiece, meaning both clubs enter Gameweek 38 with their survival still intact.
Blackpool scaled the heights of their gameweek 1 performance, scoring four for the first time since that opening day of the season in an incredible 4-3 victory over Bolton. The Seasiders’ last home game of this campaign saw DJ Campbell grab 13 FPL Points and Charlie Adam (picking up his first Bonus Points in seven games) returning 12, with an away trip to Old Trafford left of their season. If Ian Holloway’s side are ultimately relegated, they at least have given the home supporters a parting gift to remember.
Wolves chose today to record their first back-to-back league wins of the season with a 3-1 win at Sunderland; Steven Fletcher scored for the fifth time in five games, whilst midfielders Jamie O’Hara, Matt Jarvis and Stephen Hunt all picked up an assist each to reward Fantasy Owners ahead of their home game with Blackburn next week.
The onus now switches to Birmingham, Wigan and West Ham tomorrow. Will it be Sebastian Larsson or Cameron Jerome, Charles N’Zogbia or Hugo Rodallega, or maybe one of either Thomas Hitzlsperger and Demba Ba who will have their day in the sun?
There’s many permutations to consider, but of all those teams involved in the scrap, it’s West Ham who are on the brink; they now need to win both remaining games and hope Birmingham lose their last two to stand any chance of survival. Even if Big Eck’s side are defeated, anything other than a Hammers win at Wigan tomorrow and they’ll be playing Championship football next season.
Regardless of tomorrow’s results, there’s going to be plenty uncertainty surrounding the relegation places and a chance for big performances all over again in Gameweek 38. Great for Fantasy potential, terrible on the nerves of the real-life fan. Bring on next Sunday.
