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Newcastle United must focus on their goal differential

By Durim Halimi

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 18: Dwight Gayle of Newcastle United celebrates with team mates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on November 18, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 18: Dwight Gayle of Newcastle United celebrates with team mates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on November 18, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United are in the midst of a competitive relegation battle, but their goal differential could keep them in the top flight next season.

There are two major components that one should note when observing the Premier League table: total points and goal differential. The total points earned by a club is self-explanatory, but goal differential serves as the tie-breaker when clubs are even on points.

Seeing how tight the relegation battle has been this season, survival could be dependent on goal differential. This could very well be the case for Newcastle United if the Magpies finish level on points with one or more clubs.

Goal differential will not mean anything for Newcastle if they do not earn sufficient points to finish above the relegation zone. For now, however, the Magpies are heading in the right direction. Here is where Newcastle United stand in terms of goal differential when compared to other bottom-half clubs:

1. Bournemouth: -10 goal differential

2. Southampton: -12 goal differential

3. Newcastle: -13 goal differential

4. Everton: -16 goal differential

5. Swansea City: -17 goal differential

6. West Ham: -18 goal differential

7. Crystal Palace: -19 goal differential

8. West Brom: -21 goal differential

9. Huddersfield Town: -25 goal differential

10. Stoke City: -26 goal differential

Maintain Goal Differential

As a tactical concept, the task is simple as Newcastle are required to score more goals and concede fewer. Sounds easy, right? Well, not really. The final stretch of the season in the most competitive league in the world will present Newcastle with several challenges.

Newcastle United can maintain a better goal differential in the bottom half of the table in two ways. The first method requires an attack-minded starting eleven against relegation rivals. The Magpies have struggled to score goals this season, but they must find a way to score multiple goals against Southampton, Huddersfield Town, Everton and West Brom.

In addition to scoring multiple times, the Magpies must do their best to earn clean sheets defensively against the aforementioned opponents. With Paul Dummett in top form and Jamaal Lascelles playing to prove his worth to Gareth Southgate, Newcastle’s defense should frustrate weaker clubs.

Unfortunately, five of Newcastle’s last nine matches are against opponents positioned between fourth and ninth in the table. All of the top-half opponents Newcastle will face are high scoring clubs. The Magpies will have their work cut out for them, but Rafa Benitez will surely remind his men how important defensive stability and offensive efficiency will be from now until May.

Next: Would Rafa Benitez leave Newcastle for Arsenal?

This month will present the Magpies with the perfect opportunity to improve their goal differential of -13 as Newcastle host Southampton and Huddersfield Town.