Relegation Update

Marlon Harewood helped West Ham notch up a club-record equaling seventh straight win and add to Birmingham's relegation worries. The former Forest player scored after ten minutes and sixty, the second a fortunate rebound from his penalty save. The 3-0 was infact recommended by bettingchoice.com at a massive 16/1 before the match. The Hammers have now moved upto sixth and are in serious contention for European football. While the UEFA Cup is a more realistic prospect, fourth spot and Champions League qualification cannot be ruled out. For Birmingham the outlook is bleak. Twenty points after twenty five games is a very poor return. If the magical forty point total is to be reached, Steve Bruce will have to inspire his team to double their tally in just thirteen games. Although six points away from West Brom, it is interesting to note the bookies see the Baggies as a more likely prospect to be relegated. At this stage of the season only Portsmouth, West Brom and Birmingham are seen as likely candidates to join Sunderland in the Championship next August. There is some hope for the Blues in the coming weeks with Sunderland and West Brom due at St.Andrews.