Bolton hoping for great escape

Bolton's chances of starting next season in the Premiership looked slim after recent defeats by Wigan and Aston Villa, but they have managed to revive hopes by taking three points from matches against both West Ham and Middlesbrough and one in a 1-1 draw with Spurs.

Gary Megson's side are, however, still dangerously near the drop zone. Only three clubs have fewer points, and they have inched ahead of Reading — also on 33 — by virtue of goal difference. Derby and Fulham have been in the drop zone for a while and are looking most likely to go down, and a scrap is on to avoid the third spot.

The pressure will really be on for Bolton's relegation battle against Sunderland. The Black Cats slipped to just four points ahead of the Trotters after two successive defeats, but guaranteed their safety in last weekend's Tyneside derby, beating Middlesbrough 3-2.

West Ham have a tough visit to Old Trafford to face Manchester United as the London club fights to finish in the top 10 (SS1, 12noon).

After looking likely to press for a top-three spot earlier in the season, Manchester City have slipped to ninth. They take on Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday (SS1, 3.30pm). Also on Sunday, Arsenal host Everton (SS1). Once pushing for

a Champions League place, David Moyes's side are now trying to fend off Villa to secure a UEFA Cup spot.

Currently on a good streak, Newcastle host title contenders Chelsea on bank holiday Monday (SS1, 3.30pm).