Three of the current top flight are from the region, but they are also the current favourites to go down.
Newcastle United’s Jonjo Shelvey celebrates scoring the first goal with the Newcastle fans
There is a strong footballing tradition in the North East of England, but the region may be about to lose its entire Premier League representation to relegation.
The current bottom three, in Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Hull City, are all from the area and the former two in particular face a tough task to avoid the drop.
The Black Cats suffered yet another defeat at the hands of Watford on Saturday, with the gap between themselves and safety now standing at seven points – which could be extended should 17th-placed Swansea City beat Boro this afternoon.
Middlesbrough themselves need to take something away from the Liberty Stadium to keep their slim survival hopes alive, with the division’s lowest scorers having not won in the league since December 17.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez talks with Newcastle United’s Ciaran Clark
Hull have been revitalised under manager Marco Silva, but with Swansea, Crystal Palace and Leicester City also enjoying upsurges in form, they still remain favourites to go down.
It could mean that Newcastle United, currently leading the Championship, may have to fly the flag for the North East in the top flight all on their own next season.
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