Tottenham and Stoke had completed all their league fixtures by the previous Saturday and Monday respectively. Tottenham were already confirmed as relegated, while Stoke's goal difference was so inferior to that of Coventry, Bristol City and Sunderland, that pundits regarded their chances of survival as nonexistent. West Ham United had also finished all their matches, but were mathematically safe. This left Bristol City, Coventry and Sunderland battling to avoid the final relegation position. A draw would have been sufficient for Sunderland to achieve safety, by finishing ahead of at least one of the other two clubs. Similarly, Bristol City could avoid relegation by drawing the game, as that would guarantee their finishing above Coventry. Coventry needed a win to guarantee their safety, but they could also survive by drawing the game if Sunderland were to lose.
