
Leeds as good as safe? Thumping Burnley win opens nine-point gap to drop
Leeds United's 3-1 win over Burnley secures a nine-point gap from relegation.
Wolves, already relegated, host struggling Sunderland in a crucial match. Wolves aim to avoid a record 24 defeats in a single Premier League season after three consecutive losses.
Already relegated Wolves host Sunderland, whose form is also floundering.
Even though it is less than two weeks since Wolves' fate was mathematically sealed, the writing had been on the wall for much longer.
Rob Edwards' side showed glimpses of raging against the dying of the light with a recent run of just one defeat in six league matches – but the past three matches have been a return to the miserable form that has left them bottom for most of the season.
Three straight defeats, eight goals conceded and none scored. Another loss will see Wolves set a new club record of 24 defeats in a 38-game campaign in the top flight.
Wolves have failed to score in a division-high 18 Premier League games this season – although the fact that Sunderland shipped five last time out may give them some hope.
They also have a good record at home to the Black Cats. They are unbeaten in their past seven home league games against Sunderland (W3, D4) – although this is the first time they have hosted them since a 0-0 draw in the Championship in 2017.
Sunderland faltering
Since reaching the mythical 40-point mark, Sunderland seem to have gone off the boil. A famous derby win over Newcastle apart, the Black Cats' recent form has been pretty lacklustre.
Four defeats in their past six games since then include a loss to Port Vale, who have just been relegated to League Two.
Those defeats also include conceding nine goals in their past two matches – their 5-0 drubbing by Nottingham Forest was their joint-heaviest home league defeat, and their worst since the 1950s.
Sunderland's defence was pretty solid in the first half of the season – up to the turn of the year, only top two Arsenal and had conceded fewer Premier League goals than the Black Cats' 18.
The match is significant as Wolves are trying to avoid setting a club record for the most defeats in a Premier League season.
Wolves have failed to score in a league-high 18 Premier League games this season.
Wolves have lost their last three matches, while Sunderland recently conceded five goals in their last game.

Leeds United's 3-1 win over Burnley secures a nine-point gap from relegation.

Livingston holds Aberdeen to a 2-2 draw, with Muirhead equalizing late in the match.
Don't miss the 2026 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix this weekend!
Dani Dennis-Sutton is set to learn from Micah Parsons in the Packers.
Dani Dennis-Sutton aims to excel with Micah Parsons' mentorship at the Packers.
Benavidez officially weighs in at cruiserweight for title fight against Zurdo
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Despite this poor form, Sunderland have still exceeded expectations this season, and with a European spot still in reach, there remains plenty to play for.
[BBC]