After losing three consecutive matches, Newcastle United’s schedule will not get any easier. The Magpies play Tottenham and Chelsea this week.
Inconsistency is the only word that can describe the 2017/18 campaign for Newcastle United. The Magpies have experienced multiple streaks, both positive and negative, this season. After winning four consecutive matches to climb into the top ten, the Magpies have now lost three in a row.
The losses to Everton, West Brom and Watford have taken supporters by surprise. The expectation was not for Newcastle to win seven consecutive matches, but the Magpies were not supposed to collapse in this fashion.
In their three losses, the Magpies have either lacked sufficient energy, urgency or precision. The loss against Everton was Newcastle’s worst performance of the season. The following week Newcastle dominated West Brom but failed to score despite having several opportunities. In their most recent loss to Watford, Newcastle only attacked with urgency in the second half.
With that being said, Newcastle will have their hands full against two elite clubs in their upcoming matches to conclude the campaign. Newcastle are on track to end the season with a five-game losing streak if they do not regain their confidence and motivation.
Tottenham
The Magpies will travel to London to take on Tottenham at Wembley Stadium tomorrow. Tottenham will present Newcastle with several obstacles during the match and they will be clear favorites to win. Newcastle must be wary of Tottenham for two reasons.
Fatigue
Back-to-back away matches is the last thing Newcastle needed during this poor run of form. After traveling to Watford, the mid-week match against Tottenham presents the Magpies with a short turnaround. Minimal time to prepare for a quality opponent and having to travel 455 kilometers to London only adds to Newcastle’s problems.
Motivated Opposition
Tottenham are currently fourth in the table, but they are only two points ahead of Chelsea in fifth. The two rivals from London are competing for the final spot in the Champions League. After losing to West Brom on Saturday, Tottenham will look to rebound against Newcastle.
The fact that Chelsea defeated Liverpool and have a favorable opponent in Huddersfield on Wednesday will make Tottenham play attacking football for 90 minutes.
Chelsea
After their match against Tottenham, Newcastle will return to St. James’ Park to face Chelsea. The 2017/18 Premier League campaign will come to an end upon the conclusion of this match on Sunday. Like Tottenham, Chelsea will be a difficult opponent to breakdown and the Blues have defeated Newcastle twice in London.
Champions League
Chelsea are on the outside looking in at the moment in terms of playing in the Champions League. Anything less than a victory against Newcastle would place Chelsea in the Europa League. The Blues will come out firing against the Magpies and they will remain composed on the road despite the fervent home support for Newcastle.
Confident Opposition
Chelsea have won four consecutive matches in league play and their confidence is through the roof. With the potential of entering Sunday’s match with five straight victories, Newcastle will need to frustrate their opponents early in the first half.