19 May 2009

Sunderland defeat leaves them in danger of drop

9:42 am on 19 May 2009

Sunderland face an anxious final day of the Premier League season after a 3-1 loss at Portsmouth left them in serious danger of relegation from English football's top tier.

Sunderland needed a win to guarantee their safety but they remain on 36 points, one ahead of Hull City and only two clear of Newcastle United, and with a marginally worse goal difference.

They're also hosting hosting third-placed Chelsea on Monday.

Defeat at Aston Villa would relegate Newcastle, although they would survive if they draw and Hull lose at home to Manchester United who will probably field a weakened side ahead of next week's Champions League final.

Middlesbrough have 32 points and need to beat West Ham United comfortably and hope Hull and Newcastle lose.