Barclays Premier League Round-up Preview

It’s the penultimate round of fixtures in the 2011/2012 Barclays Premier League season and the relegation picture could look a whole lot clearer come the final whistles on Sunday May 6.

After excellent home wins against the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in recent weeks, QPR are now back in deep trouble following a 6-1 mauling at the hands of Chelsea last weekend.

The Hoops currently have their heads above water by goal difference but will surely need a result at Loftus Road against Stoke City with Manchester City set to oppose in the last game of the campaign.

Mark Hughes’ men cannot be written off based on their overall form at home but will need to prove their resilience after such an embarrassing loss at Stamford Bridge, which exposed their many shortfalls in defence and midfield.

Stoke City are once again safe in mid-table, a potential benefit for QPR as Tony Pulis’ side may not offer too much resistance in the circumstances and their record on the road leaves something to be desired.

The Potters have lost ten matches away from home and QPR definitely have a chance of worsening that tally if able to produce the kind of form which saw them account for Liverpool and Spurs in West London.

The hosts are 11/10 to oblige and give themselves a shot at survival on the final day of the season, which will also be crucial for 18th placed Bolton Wanderers.

Ironically, Bolton take on Stoke on the last day but it is West Brom who stand in their way first.

The Trotters gave themselves major hope of a great escape when beating Aston Villa recently away from home but they must post a decent result here in front of their own supporters.

Owen Coyle’s side have managed just four wins at the Reebok Stadium this term but a fifth is not out of the question against Albion who like Stoke are technically left without anything to play for in mid-table.

Bolton are 6/5 to step up their survival bid and can land the odds alongside QPR for an unlikely double.

Elsewhere, Everton will be seeking to continue their fantastic recent form against Wolves at Molineux.

Wolves put in a spirited performance last weekend to salvage a 4-4 draw against Swansea City after already suffering relegation to the Npower Championship.

But they are likely to find themselves outclassed in the face of the Toffees who are a dangerous outfit with Croatian ace Jelavic continuing to fire in attack.

Everton smashed Fulham 4-0 at Goodison Park last time out and a repeat of anything near that performance should see them claim another victory here to boost their hopes of finishing above Merseyside rivals Liverpool.

David Moyes’ side are a tasty 5/6 to prevail, whilst Sunderland look overpriced at 10/3 to account for Fulham at Craven Cottage.

The Black Cats have fallen away a little throughout the spring but can finish their season on the road well at lengthy odds.

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02/05/2012     © Frixo 2026