How Newcastle United’s schedule compares to relegation rivals
By Declan Ryan
16th – West Ham
Remaining fixtures: Southampton (17th), Chelsea (5th), Stoke (19th), Arsenal (6th), Man City (1st), Leicester (8th), Everton (9th), Man Utd (date TBD, 2nd)
With off-the-field distractions taking centre stage, little attention has been paid to the poor form of David Moyes’ side who have lost three games on the bounce, and four of their last five.
To make matters worse, they have the toughest remaining schedule of the bottom eight, with games against Southampton and Stoke the only ones in which they will be favoured.
Perhaps dark horses for relegation, there seems to be little positivity around the East London side despite the quality of their squad. With the bottom half of the table as close as it is right now, a narrow three-point margin separating West Ham from the relegation zone might not be enough if their poor form continues.
David Moyes is all too familiar with dysfunction and relegation threatening his prospects, given his time in charge of Newcastle’s Tyne-Wear rivals Sunderland. This time around however he has an expensive and talented squad, and injuries alone cannot excuse him from underperforming.
Whilst it’s understood that there’s a financial agreement for the Olympic Stadium should the Hammers be relegated, it would be hard to imagine any of the instability being resolved if their dismal displays continue.
Another side entering the relegation dogfight will only benefit Newcastle, as ultimately the only requirement for avoiding relegation is that there are three worse teams than your own.
West Ham have the players to avoid the drop, but disruptions on and off the field could see them pay the ultimate price.