Division Two Sack Race

46 points are usually required to guarantee avoiding the bottom three and the sack in D2, and this season I expect it will be a few points less.

The table now, with five games to play:

Werder Bremen are as good as gone and look set to return to D3 next season for the first time since S14.

Facing a second successive relegation, Southampton are almost certain to join them, for the first time since S12.

Celta Vigo are five points adrift of safety, and it’s hard to see how they can survive on current form. Their stay in D2 will have been just two seasons, if that’s how it turns out.

Like Southampton, Everton face consecutive relegations, and also like Southampton would be playing D3 football for the first time since S12.

West Brom are two points clear of the drop zone, and just finding a little form under new manager Paddy D. If they do go down, they will be another like Southampton and Everton going from D1 to D3 in two seasons.

PSG are three points clear, but relegation would be the worst season in their history.

Promoted Anderlecht will be hoping to avoid an immediate return to D3. With a four point cushion, you would think they will survive.

Liverpool also have a four point cushion. The club finished a creditable 4th last season, but like PSG, relegation would be their worst season ever.

River Plate should feel safe enough already, but they’ve found it impossible to establish themselves in D2 for more than a couple of seasons after three promotions in eight seasons. Rumours are that manager Jones is ready to jump ship….

Koln were in D5 five seasons ago, and were promoted last season for their first ever season in D2. Like River Plate, they can probably feel comfortable enough barring total collapse in their final games.

The bottom three look doomed, and the final relegation place could be between Everton and Anderlecht.