Source: Telegraph
Phil Bardsley fears the drop as Sunderland prepare to face United
The former Manchester United fullback and his team-mates will face the daunting task of taking on Chelsea this weekend at the Stadium of Light.[LNB]Only victory against the FA Cup finalists would guarantee Sunderland's Premier League status for another season because the Wearside club are just one point above Hull and two points above third-bottom Newcastle.[LNB] Related ArticlesWho will be relegated?Predictor: How will your team finish?Sport on televisionSbragia has faith in UnitedSunderland must beat Chelsea or else says Teemu TainioSunderlands next two games critical to Premier League survival, says Ricky SbragiaSunderland have already let slip a chance to secure their top-flight status when they crashed to a 3-1 defeat at Portsmouth on Monday night and that has fuelled relegation fears.[LNB]"We've got to put Monday night out of our minds," Bardsley said. " Especially because we were 1-0 up. Mistakes have cost us, but that's part of the game and it's how you react and we've got to react in the right way and try to get something out of Chelsea.[LNB]"What we know is that it's still in our own hands. If we play like we have been doing, I'm sure we can give them a run for their money.[LNB]"I don't think I've been involved in a bigger game than this. Everyone knows how important it is. It's about self pride and everyone's up for it.[LNB]Everyone's really relishing it and ready for it. The tension is mounting and everyone's talking about it. Bring it on.[LNB]"I wouldn't say I was nervous. Anxious, maybe, but ready to roll really and after the game on Monday night, I just want to get back out again and play. That's the way football is." Chelsea beat Sunderland 5-0 at Stamford Bridge earlier this season and so few will need reminding what a tall order it will be for Sunderland to overcome Guus Hiddink's team.[LNB]"We realise how good Chelsea are," the Salford-born 23-year-old added. " They're a brilliant team, but we've got to take the game to them and do the best we can. I'm sure we can get something out of it.[LNB]"We've had a lot of chances to nail our position, but people forget how good the league is sometimes. There are lot of good players in the league and if you fail to take your chances and make mistakes here and there, you find yourself in these positions.[LNB]"But it's still in our own hands and the teams below us have got difficult games as well and we're two or three points better off than them. We've just got to focus on our jobs." A full house is expected at the Stadium of Light and Bardsley is hoping to give the home supporters plenty to celebrate by ensuring a third season of Premier League football.[LNB]"The fans are brilliant, they come with us everywhere," Bardsley concluded. "They've been terrific at the Stadium of Light all season and they deserve to end the season with a good performance from us, with the icing on the cake being staying in the Premier League.[LNB]"That's what everyone is focusing on and trying to achieve. Hopefully we can all do that together.[LNB] [LNB]
