Crucial ties for struggling teams

Relegation from the Premier League will spell disaster for the three ill-fated clubs this season.

Earlier this year, Premier League chiefs announced an increase in revenue for the clubs competing in England's top division next season. These will receive more funds through the new TV rights deal that will come into effect as from the 2007-08 campaign.

Clubs involved in the Premier League relegation battle have already expressed their concern with Wigan chairman Dave Whelan calling for an even distribution of wealth among the Premiership clubs.

"The money that comes into the League, over one billion pounds per year, should be divided equally," remarked Whelan.

"The top four teams in the Premiership should rightly receive a bigger share of funds, but then the rest of the teams should be entitled to an equal amount of revenue."

Wigan are one of six clubs fighting for dear life as the end of the season approaches. Hereunder are the protagonists and their remaining fixtures:

Watford
Points 23 (played 34, GD -31)
Today: Home vs Manchester City
April 28: Away vs Sheffield United
May 5: Away vs Reading
May 13: Home vs Newcastle

West Ham
Points 29 (from 34, GD -31)
Today: Home vs Everton
April 28: Away vs Wigan
May 5: Home vs Bolton
May 13: Away vs Man. United

Charlton
Points 32 (from 34, GD -21)
Today: Home vs Sheffield United
April 28: Away vs Blackburn
May 7: Home vs Tottenham
May 13: Away vs Liverpool

Sheffield United
Points 34 (from 34, GD -20)
Today: Away vs Charlton
April 28: Home vs Watford
May 5: Away vs Aston Villa
May 13: Home vs Wigan

Fulham
Points 35 (from 34, GD -19)
Today: Home vs Blackburn
April 29: Away vs Arsenal
May 5: Home vs Liverpool
May 13: Away vs Middlesbrough

Wigan
Points 35 (from 34, GD -17)
Today: Away vs Liverpool
April 28: Home vs West Ham
May 5: Home vs Middlesbrough
May 13: Away vs Sheffield United

Charlton host Sheffield United in a crucial relegation six-pointer at The Valley this afternoon.

Last week's resounding 3-0 win over West Ham at Bramall Lane was a shot in the arm for Neil Warnock's team.

In midweek, they lost to leaders Manchester United 2-0 at Old Trafford but their major concern is to pick all points from today's clash against the London club.

Last Sunday, Charlton looked as though they were set to take a hard-earned point at Everton when Darren Bent put them level in the final minutes. But their hopes were dashed when James McFadden struck an injury-time winner that kept them in the relegation zone.

In 13 league calls to Charlton's lair, the Blades have never won. Their last triumph came in 1970-71 in the 'old' Division II (2-0: Woodward, Dearden).

Fulham have given the sack to Chris Coleman and appointed Lawrie Sanchez as their new manager.

Sanchez has a dual role at the moment as he has also kept his job as Northern Ireland coach. The Cottagers, who lie three points above the drop zone, take on Blackburn Rovers at Craven Cottage today.

Fulham have only picked three points from the last 24 available, with their last win dating back to February 3 when they beat Newcastle at home.

Blackburn, after their gallant performance in their semi-final defeat to Chelsea last Sunday, collected three valuable points when they defeated Watford 3-1 at Ewood Park.

West Ham's survival bid suffered a setback last week after their disappointing defeat at Sheffield Wednesday. In midweek, they were again on the losing end, trounced by Chelsea 4-1 at Upton Park.

Alan Curbishley's men must certainly start winning as from today when they entertain Everton on 'home' soil once more.

David Moyes's Blues lost just once in their last 12 league matches to move up to fifth place in the Premiership. On this form, they look favourites to book a place in next season's UEFA Cup.

Wigan manager Paul Jewell seems to have been hit by bad luck since he strongly criticised referee Phil Dowd. Most of the controversial decisions on the pitch have gone against his side over the past two months.

Wigan will play guests to Liverpool at Anfield. In midweek the Reds beat Middlesbrough 2-0 and another three-pointer will cement their place in the Champions League. Craig Bellamy will probably return to the attack after injury.

The situation at the top has remained unchanged after both Manchester United and Chelsea won their midweek matches - United beat Sheffield United 2-0 at Old Trafford while Chelsea easily accounted for West Ham.

This evening, the Red Devils remain at their fortress to tackle Middlesbrough, while Chelsea stay on the road with a visit to Newcastle, tomorrow.

United are bound to collect another piece of silverware after they defeated Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield in the first leg of the FA Youth Cup.

Roaring Ronaldo

Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo signed a new deal at Old Trafford and is favourite to grab double awards for PFA Player of the Year, and Young Player of the Year.

Chelsea fans are over the moon now that Jose Mourinho and Roman Abramovich appear to have buried the hatchet.

The Blues can meet United three times until the end of the season - Premiership decider (still if United keep on the winning track the game at Stamford Bridge would not decide the title issue), FA Cup final and Champions League final.

Arsenal go into this afternoon's North London derby against Tottenham on a high after a convincing 3-1 win over Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium in midweek.

Injured Arsenal striker Thierry Henry is very positive about his team's chances of claiming a Champions League spot despite a poor run.

Spurs striker Robbie Keane is confident that his team would qualify for Europe again by finishing the season strongly.