There are some very relaxed-looking Sunderland fans at the Stadium of Light. Plasters off now, they've had the worst of it. Although, saying that, as a fan of a Championship club I can tell them it's a swine of a division.

The Swansea fans, understandably, look more nervous. They've still got hope. And as any football fan knows, it's the hope that kills you.

Steve Wilson
Match of the Day commentator

There was no escaping the feeling at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday that it had been a pivotal day. Hull had been beaten - opening a door of opportunity which Swansea promptly marched through by defeating Everton. The atmosphere was almost jubilant, the mood music an Ode to Joy.

But Swansea must now beware of Sunderland's Danse Macabre., external

David Moyes' side have played much of this season like condemned men, confined to a cell and miserably obsessed by the thought of the dreadful noose.

At Hull they were finally free from the chains of hope and found a grisly elation in standing on the gallows.

If Sunderland can reproduce that exuberance for their last top-flight home game for who knows how long, then Swansea must avoid being kicked in the teeth by their death throes.

Image source, BBC Sport

OK, let's cut to the chase. Here is where we stand in this relegation battle...

Sunderland are gone. No coming back. As are Middlesbrough. Both will be playing Championship football next season. 

That leaves one more relegation place to fill.

Swansea are currently not in it. A win today will put four points between them and 18th and take them level on points with 16th-placed Crystal Palace.

In a tantalising twist of fate, Hull (who are currently 18th) face Palace tomorrow at Selhurst Park. A Swansea win and a Hull defeat relegates the Tigers with a game to play.

Image source, PA

Like Hans Gruber at the end of Die Hard, Sunderland are determined to take someone with them in their fall from floor 30 of the Nakatomi Plaza (standing in here for the Premier League in this weak metaphor).

Last weekend's victory over the Tigers (coupled with a Swansea win over Everton) makes them the most likely fellow victim. But the Black Cats could chuck in another twist with a second dead-cat bounce victory in as many weeks against the Swans this afternoon.

It is up to Paul Clement's men to unhook that watch strap and cut Moyes' men loose.

Right, I reckon I've laboured that enough.