Something For The Weekend: Fulham vs Birmingham City

If last weekend's Premier League action proved anything, it's that we are now deep into squeaky bum time. During the course of the 3pm kick-offs the permeations for the relegation candidates changed many times over. Sunderland's fate seemed to be heading to the final day only for a last minute winner to seal their safety there and then. Bolton looked to be struggling at Spurs, but picked up a vital point which could keep them secure. Birmingham were heading out of the bottom three, but ended up giving away a two-goal advantage against Liverpool. And Fulham were relegated at half-time at Manchester City, but right back in the mix at full-time.

This weekend, those four teams face each other in another Saturday afternoon that will shape the structure of the Premier League come the end of the season. Sunderland travel to Bolton in a critical evening kick-off, but first Birmingham visit Craven Cottage to face Fulham at 3pm, knowing that defeat for either side could send them heading back to the Championship by the end of the day. For Alex McLeish's side it's an ignoble fate that looked a long way off just a few months ago.

Impressive - albeit losing - displays at United and Chelsea had given the Blues heart at the turn of the year, while two hard-earned draws with Arsenal and a 4-1 thrashing of post-Carling Cup Spurs handed them five points they must've have expected to claim going into those matches.