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Newcastle United survival odds sink without six points in March

By Durim Halimi

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 24: Rafael Benitez Manager / head coach of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Newcastle United at Vitality Stadium on February 24, 2018 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 24: Rafael Benitez Manager / head coach of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Newcastle United at Vitality Stadium on February 24, 2018 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United are expected to save their season and Premier League status with six points this month. Earning less than six points will increase the likelihood of relegation.

Participating in an unforgiving relegation battle is a major challenge for any club, but Newcastle United have the chance to control their destiny for survival this month. With two games against struggling opponents at St. James’ Park, the Magpies must take all six points.

The addition of six points would give Newcastle 35 points after 31 matches, and due to goal differential the Magpies could sit close to the top ten. Currently in 16th place with 29 points, Rafa Benitez must find a way to motivate his players.

Taking six points would not guarantee Newcastle’s survival, but they would be very close. In a previous article, I made the argument that the Magpies only need 36 points to avoid relegation, but that task becomes insurmountable without two victories this month.

Southampton

Of the two remaining opponents this month, Southampton will be the first and most difficult. Like Newcastle, Southampton aim to avoid relegation and look forward to fixtures against bottom-half rivals.

Last week, the Saints had a chance to take three points against Stoke City, but the 0-0 draw led to two crucial points dropped. Southampton will come out with high energy and will play to win on the road. Newcastle must be cautious and organized in the back, but Benitez must deploy an attack-minded formation.

The final status of Jonjo Shelvey and Islam Slimani is still up in the air for this match. Regardless, however, Newcastle United have the quality to compete and defeat Southampton at St. James’ Park with the support of 52,000 fans.

Huddersfield Town

Huddersfield Town may be a newcomer to the Premier League, but they still merit maximum effort in order to earn three points. Newcastle will have an advantage over Huddersfield by playing at St. James’ Park, and the Magpies will also be well-rested for the match.

Due to Tottenham advancing in the FA Cup, the Magpies will have three weeks to prepare for Huddersfield Town on March 31. Huddersfield Town earned a minimal victory over Newcastle early in the season. Benitez must remind the squad of that loss for motivational purposes so late in the season when it matters most.

Huddersfield Town have the second worst goal differential in the Premier League and Newcastle must find ways to exploit those defensive flaws. By then, the Magpies should be at full strength in the midfield and up top so there should be no excuses for a lack of goals.

Next: Newcastle United's all-time top ten midfielders

Predictions

My predictions for the two matches against Southampton and Huddersfield Town are positive. Rafa Benitez understands the importance of these matches and will surely relay that message to his team.

Newcastle United 2:0 Southampton

Newcastle United 3:1 Huddersfield Town