Hull City manager Steve Bruce believes that the relegation scrap will go right down "to the wire" as six teams battle for Premier League survival.
The Tigers are currently two points adrift of the drop, while Sunderland and Aston Villa reside just one point above.
Last season's promoted sides Queens Park Rangers, Burnley and Leicester City occupy the final three places at the bottom of the table.
Hull's survival bid took a knock last weekend when they suffered a 3-1 defeat to Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium.
"Last week was disappointing because all around us picked up points," Bruce said in this morning's press conference. "The way it has gone all season I would expect it to go to the wire because there are so many teams fighting for it.
"We have a tough run-in but after this weekend we have four of six at home which will be important."
Hull will take on Southampton at St Mary's on Saturday.
Danielle Joynson
