IT has been billed as ‘Survival Sunday’, but for Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Sunderland, it could turn out to be a ‘Weekend of Woe’. By 6pm tomorrow, at least one of the North-East’s big three is guaranteed to be relegated from the Premier League.

After more than 52 hours of action, the fate of all three sides will be settled in the final 90 minutes of the season.

There have been some colourful moments in the history of North-East football, but there has never been anything quite like this.

With more than £50m at stake tomorrow afternoon, the future of the region’s three biggest sides is on the line.

Middlesbrough have most to fear, as they will kick off at West Ham three points of adrift of safety. Gareth Southgate’s side don’t just have one foot in the Championship – they have a foot, two arms and the vast majority of their torso as well.

Lose or draw at Upton Park, and Boro’s 11-year stay in the top-flight will be at an end.

Win, and the Teessiders have not won away from the Riverside since November 8, and they still need a five-goal swing to overcome Hull City.

Given that the Tigers entertain Manchester United, it is not impossible.

Given that Sir Alex Ferguson will be fielding members of his reserve and youth team ahead of next week’s Champions League final, however, it is unlikely in the extreme.

“Mathematically, the chance is still there,” said Southgate.

“It would be a strange set of results, but strange things happen in football.”

Newcastle’s survival prospects are brighter than Boro’s, but having lost at home to Fulham last weekend, the Magpies do not have things in their own hands either.

They travel to Villa Park to face an Aston Villa side including former Magpie James Milner knowing that defeat will definitely condemn them to the Championship.

Draw or win, and they will be hoping that their own result betters whatever Hull achieve against the champions.

“This is bigger than any cup final,” said Magpies manager Alan Shearer, who hopes to include skipper Michael Owen in his squad.

“It will be nerve-wracking at times, and I’m sure there will be twists and turns.

“But I’m totally convinced we will get out of this.”

Sunderland start from a position of strength as they are two points clear of the drop zone ahead of the final round of fixtures, but having won just one of their previous 12 matches, it is hardly inconceivable that the Black Cats will go down.

Ricky Sbragia’s side entertain Chelsea at the Stadium of Light and a win will guarantee their Premier League safety.

Draw or lose, though, and they will tumble out of the top-flight if Hull and Newcastle both record victories.

“We’ve got a two-point cushion, but we still have to win,”

said Sbragia. “There’s no one else to blame but ourselves if we don’t make it.”

For the neutral, it could hardly be better poised. For the players, managers and supporters involved, however, it promises to be an excruciating occasion.

There will be blood, sweat and, at the final whistle, tears.

May the least worst team win.