MAY 2: ENGLISH FOOTBALL PREVIEW

NIGEL PEARSON is feeling the pressure – why else would he brand a reporter an “ostrich”. But while the Leicester boss reckoned the hack had his head in the sand it's rival boss John Carver who has been burying his head in his hands.

A run of seven defeats in a row has dragged down Newcastle and another at Leicester today will put them in a serious dogfight.

I was surprised Pearson played a full-strength side in Wednesday's 3-1 defeat to Chelsea – but his men showed enough quality and spirit to suggest they'll add to the Toon Army's misery.

Last week I backed Swansea to win at St James's and while a best 20-21 at Betfred isn't the greatest offer (it was 11-10) I'm on the Foxes to pick up their fifth win at six attempts.

Jamie Vardy has been their star turn recently and his pace could hurt a struggling defence. He is 7-1 at 888sport to score first.

Leicester's defeat of Burnley last week means Dyche's men must win at West Ham today to give themselves a chance of survival. The Clarets have picked up one victory in 14 with one goal in 720 minutes of Premier League football.

Luckily for them the Hammers have been on holiday for some time, winning one in 13, and the visitors have a chance at 5-2 with McBookie and William Hill.

QPR also look doomed and while they visit an off-colour Liverpool it's asking a lot for them to leave with the points. Brendan Rodgers's side were dire at Hull last Sunday and best bet here is under 2.5 goals at 13-10 with bet365.

Sunderland are point from safety but it's difficult to back them at home to Southampton. Three of Saints' last 14 away games have gone under 2.5 goals so back this again but it's just 3-5 at McBookie.

Aston Villa should be safe and under Tim Sherwood they're almost scoring goals for fun. Their home fixture with an on-form Everton has a history of goals so take both to score at 4-5 with McBookie and bet365.

In the Championship Watford can clinch the title with a home win against Sheffield Wednesday. There will be nerves but I understand why 2-5 is the top price.

If they slip up Bournemouth can pip them by beating Charlton but that depends on how much celebrating they did after clinching promotion on Monday.

Middlesbrough and Norwich have sealed play-off spots and it's two from four for the other two between Ipswich, Derby, Brentford and Wolves.

Derby can make it by beating Reading at home but there could be twists and turns elsewhere. Ipswich face a tough test at Blackburn and if they lose Brentford can catch them by seeing off relegated Wigan – Wolves need a big win against Millwall and other results to go their way.