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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17th – Southampton

Remaining fixtures: West Ham (16th), Arsenal (6th), Chelsea (5th), Leicester (8th), Bournemouth (12th), Everton (9th), Man City (1st), Swansea (date TBD, 14th)

Undoubtedly hoping for a bounce in form following the appointment of new manager Mark Hughes, the Saints have the second-toughest fixture list remaining of the bottom eight.

Winning only five times this season, Southampton need an almost immediate impact from the experienced ex-Stoke manager, and the Welshman can at least build upon a solid goal difference of only -15.

Turning draws into wins could prove too much a task with 16th-place West Ham being the lowest ranked opponent for the Saints remaining, but there is Premier League pedigree for the South Coast side having finished eighth in the league last season and reaching the EFL Cup final.

Fans have been hoping for any alternative to the turgid and uninspired football of sacked manager Mauricio Pellegrino, but it may prove to be too little too late. Southampton will have to cause an upset in one of their remaining games at least, although they of course could be helped by the sides below them slipping up to an even greater degree.

https://twitter.com/SouthamptonFC/status/974050669475774467

A remarkable 13 draws for Southampton is the greatest cause for concern, and Mark Hughes will have to inspire his strikers to score as well as motivate his whole squad to play to their ability. It would almost certainly be a disaster if the Saints needed a result against Manchester City on the final day of the season, but this could be a reality provided they prioritise short-term success in the FA Cup.

The fixture against West Ham could be the most telling as to whether Hughes can galvanise Southampton, with a large bonus reported to be going the Welshman’s way if he can have an impact in their remaining eight matches.