Newcastle Toons
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How Newcastle United’s schedule compares to relegation rivals

By Declan Ryan

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 23: Christian Atsu of Newcastle celebrates with his team after their second goal scored by Mohamed Diame of Newcastle during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Newcastle United at London Stadium on December 23, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 23: Christian Atsu of Newcastle celebrates with his team after their second goal scored by Mohamed Diame of Newcastle during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Newcastle United at London Stadium on December 23, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 11: Dwight Gayle of Newcastle United celebrates his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St. James Park on February 11, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 11: Dwight Gayle of Newcastle United celebrates his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St. James Park on February 11, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

13th – Newcastle United

Fixtures remaining: Huddersfield (15th), Leicester (8th), Arsenal (6th), Everton (9th), West Brom (20th), Watford (10th), Chelsea (5th), Spurs (date TBD, 3rd)

On the surface 13th position seems a comfortable spot for the Toon. However, sitting five points removed from Crystal Palace in 18th is a less enticing proposition, and facing opponents with an average position of ninth leaves Rafa Benitez with more work to do.

Encouragement can be taken from fixtures such as Leicester, Everton and Watford, where the Toon will be facing teams with little to play for other than bragging rights come next season.

Unlike Huddersfield, Newcastle have a three-week break before their fixture on March 31st. On the surface the break has come at an unwelcome time given the Toon’s positive momentum, but even with Rafa’s rotation of the squad, the players will need fresh legs for the most important stretch of the season.

West Brom may very well be relegated by the time they visit St. James’ Park on April 28th and could prove an easy three points. Chelsea on the final day of the season on the other hand could certainly prove fatal if Newcastle leave it that late to confirm survival (but fingers crossed).

The postponed Spurs game could be an interesting one to follow, as loanee striker Islam Slimani could be back by the time that match is rescheduled. If match-fit, the Algerian international could provide a cutting edge that would see Newcastle greatly increase their chances of staying up.