With West Brom already relegated, two from Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Hull and Sunderland will go down, and the odds are stacked against Boro and the Magpies, who occupy 19th and 18th places respectively and must rely on other results going their way.

Sunderland have arguably the toughest task with the visit of Chelsea but they are two points clear of the bottom three and a win would guarantee their safety, while Hull, a point ahead of Newcastle but with an inferior goal difference, host newly crowned champions Manchester United.

The Tigers' saving grace is that United will have one eye on Wednesday's Champions League final against Barcelona and may rest key players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, but those deputising will no doubt want to stake their claim for a place in Rome and finish the domestic season with a bang.

Reports earlier this week suggested the three struggling north-east teams could take legal action against the Red Devils if they field a weakened team at the KC Stadium, but this was quickly denied by all parties.

"Man United will play a team that can beat Hull, it's as simple as that," said Black Cats boss Ricky Sbragia.

"I can understand they have got their minds on the Champions League. If I was in that situation, I would.

"But they have got a lot of depth in their squad and some very good young players as well, so whatever team they put out, they will totally believe they can win the game, and that's all we can ask for."

Alan Shearer could enhance his hero status on Tyneside even further if his side win at Aston Villa, but even that may not be enough as they need Hull to draw or lose to United.

Middlesbrough are odds on to go down as they need victory at West Ham, plus defeats for both Hull and Newcastle.

A win at Upton Park and defeat for Hull would put the two sides level on 35 points, but the Tigers' goal difference is better by four.

Aside from the relegation scrap, Fulham host Everton knowing a win would guarantee them seventh spot and a place in the Europa League next season - a remarkable turnaround from last term when Roy Hodgson dragged them away from the brink of going down.

If the Cottagers lose, Tottenham, two points behind in eighth, could pip them to European football if they win at Liverpool.

In other fixtures, Portsmouth, already assured of top-flight football for another season, travel to Wigan, Manchester City host Bolton and West Brom, with nothing left to play for, visit Blackburn.

Arsenal welcome 11th-placed Stoke hoping there is no repeat of the 2-1 defeat at the Britannia Stadium in November.