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As it happenedended

Newcastle and Norwich relegated after Sunderland defeat Everton - live reaction and updates

The victory has relegated both those teams and kept Sunderland in the top flight

James Mariner
Wednesday 11 May 2016 21:40 BST
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Fabio Borini battles Ross Barkley for the ball
Fabio Borini battles Ross Barkley for the ball (Getty)

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Tonight's three matches in the Premier League could have massive consequences - with two teams facing relegation by the end of the evening. Sam Allardyce's Black Cats host Everton at the Stadium of Light, knowing victory would secure their status in the top-flight for another season, whilst at the same time sending Newcastle and Norwich down to the Championship - whatever result the latter manage as they host Watford at Carrow Road.

In the night's other match, Europa League finalists Liverpool welcome John Terry-less Chelsea to Anfield for Jurgen Klopp's 50th match in charge of the Reds.

  • Norwich and Sunderland kick-off at 7.45
  • Play gets under way at Anfield 15 minutes later
  • Follow the latest below:

Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce has urged his players to grab the opportunity to bring an end to the Premier League's relegation battle when they host Everton at the Stadium Of Light on Wednesday night.

Saturday's 3-2 win over Chelsea bolstered the Black Cats' survival hopes in the league, and a victory over Roberto Martinez's men will secure top-flight football for next season, relegating Norwich City and local rivals Newcastle United.

Allardyce, however, expects a tough encounter against Everton, who have came under heavy criticism for their timid display in Saturday's 3-1 loss to champions Leicester City.

“We've got two games left to secure Premier League status but knowing we can kill everyone else off on Wednesday is pressure in itself. Can we handle it?” the 61-year-old said.

“Everton will be out to spoil our celebrations. Roberto's players will fight all the way because of the criticism they received after their defeat at Leicester at the weekend.”

With Sunderland flirting with relegation for the last four seasons, Allardyce hoped his serial strugglers will learn from their mistakes and avoid another relegation scramble next campaign should they stay up.

“Let's do it for the fourth time and say, let's not let it happen again. I think that's the most important thing,” said Allardyce, who has never been relegated from England's top-flight as a manager.

Failure to beat 12th-placed Everton could ensure a nervous final day for Sunderland, who finish their campaign with a trip to Watford at Vicarage Road on Sunday.

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