Three-time Premier League 2 champions Manchester United are battling to maintain their Division 1 status, and they are one of seven teams who could yet be relegated in what promises to be a close contest to beat the drop.
Man Utd's 2-0 defeat by title challengers Swansea City leaves them five points adrift of safety ahead of a home encounter with Sunderland, who occupy the other place in the relegation zone.
We look at Man Utd, Sunderland and the five other clubs yet to secure their safety.
| Position Pos | Club | Played Pl | GD | Points Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 |
Man City
MCI
|
22 | +10 | 30 |
| 7 |
Everton
EVE
|
22 | -4 | 30 |
| 8 |
Chelsea
CHE
|
22 | -1 | 29 |
| 9 |
Spurs
TOT
|
22 | -10 | 26 |
| 10 |
Derby
DER
|
22 | -12 | 24 |
| 11 |
Sunderland
SUN
|
22 | -20 | 22 |
| 12 |
Man Utd
MUN
|
22 | -18 | 20 |
Chelsea
To play: DER (A), TOT (H), LIV (A)
A run of three successive victories was halted by a defeat at second-placed Arsenal, but the Blues should only need two more points to secure their status.
West Ham United
To play: MCI (A), EVE (A), DER (A), ARS (H)
West Ham, promoted from Division 2 last season, have won once in their last five outings but can all-but guarantee safety with one more victory.
Manchester City
To play: EVE (A), WHU (H), MUN (H), TOT (A)
Consecutive victories have eased Manchester City's concerns, and two wins from their last four matches would be enough to secure safety.
Derby County
To play: CHE (H), TOT (A), WHU (H), LEI (A)
Derby, who finished with back-to-back wins to avoid relegation last season, have only won one of their last five matches and most recently suffered a 4-0 home defeat to relegation rivals Man City.
Tottenham Hotspur
To play: DER (H), CHE (A), MCI (H)
Spurs have moved out of the bottom two thanks to a five-match unbeaten run, with a north London derby victory over Arsenal one of three wins in that sequence.
Sunderland
To play: MUN (A), LEI (H), SWA (A)
The Black Cats have lost three of their last five matches, but they won their last outing against Everton.
After their trip to Old Trafford, Sunderland will hope for more success against those vying for the title, as they face two of the top three teams.
Manchester United
To play: SUN (H), MCI (A), EVE (H)
Man Utd won 2-1 at title-chasing Liverpool on 9 March. But if Derby County avoid defeat against Chelsea on 31 March, it will mean United must not lose at home to Sunderland six days later to have a chance of staying up.
Also in this series
Part 1: PL2 Division 2 promotion race in focus
Part 3: PL2 Division 1 title race in focus