Football FanCast columnist

With the Premier League fast approaching the business end of its season, the fight for relegation is well and truly underway. With Derby County virtually condemned, there is a battle between no fewer than seven clubs all fighting it out for Premier League survival.

A glance at the League table shows a mere 6pts separating Wigan in 12th and the relegation zone. It promises to be the toughest race yet, but how many points will actually guarantee survival? The usual 40pt barrier certainly sees unachievable for most, so are we heading for the lowest points tally on record?

Obviously the mathematicians out there will be saying that there are plenty of points to play for but the harsh reality that the most these teams can expect is around 10 pts. The teams are down the bottom for a reason and barring any late miracles like West Ham last year; two or three wins is the most they can expect. So which teams are in trouble? Can Bolton inconceivably go from a UEFA Cup spot to the Championship in twelve months? Can Sunderland hold on to their Premier League status? Are Newcastle United too good to go down? Will Reading and Wigan be drawn back down in the mire?

It promises to be one hell of a battle and no doubt we will see many twists and turns in the coming week. As West Ham proved last year, football is a Sport that let surprises occur. I personally feel that Bolton are the benchmark and one look of their fixtures in the run in, I feel 9pts is all they can realistically achieve. That sets the marker at 35pts, but I do wonder will it really be that much?