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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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WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 02: Salomon Rondon of West Bromwich Albion during the Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace at The Hawthorns on December 2, 2017 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images)
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 02: Salomon Rondon of West Bromwich Albion during the Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace at The Hawthorns on December 2, 2017 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images) /

20th – West Brom

Remaining fixtures: Bournemouth (12th), Burnley (7th), Swansea (14th), Man Utd (2nd), Liverpool (4th), Newcastle (13th), Spurs (3rd), Palace (18th)

Oh dear, oh dear. Three wins all season, eight points from safety, and only one of those wins coming since the appointment of ex-Newcastle manager Alan Pardew in November. Currently on a run of seven straight losses, West Brom have recorded a pitiful 23 goals all season and do not look like a side committed to avoiding relegation.

A bizarre consideration, the most important takeaway from West Brom’s schedule is that aside from Swansea and Palace, they won’t face any of Newcastle’s relegation rivals. Whilst there’s no such thing as a guaranteed three points in the Premier League, any side in need of a win would be salivating at the prospect of facing West Brom.

Visiting St. James’ Park on April 28th, by this time they could be officially relegated from the Premier League. As Spurs found out in their game against Newcastle in 2016, there is a certain danger in facing an already-relegated side, yet pressure will be incredibly high for the Toon in April and Rafa Benitez will have his side fully focused on securing three points.

Unless Pardew masterminds a great escape, West Brom will be relegated – in the same vein as Stoke’s struggles, another side filling a spot in the relegation zone can only be good news for Toon fans.

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There is a slight concern over West Brom gifting Palace three points on the final day of the season, but it’s in Newcastle’s hands to avoid such a situation. Founded 140 years ago, West Brom’s struggles are an excellent reminder to the Toon Army that history does not necessarily guarantee success in the top flight.