Newcastle United have a difficult schedule to start the 2018-19 campaign, but can they earn some impressive results?
Newcastle United will have to work hard to avoid a poor start to the 2018-19 Premier League campaign. Five of the clubs first eight matches will come against the standard top six. To make matters worse, there will be a stretch of three consecutive matches where Newcastle will face Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal.
Moreover, Newcastle will also face Tottenham and Manchester United during this rough period. The Magpies and their supporters know they will be major underdogs in these matches, but Newcastle can steal some points.
New Managers, New Teams
Managerial changes always have an impact on club as tactics, formations and lineups completely change. This season, the Premier League will welcome two new managers from Serie A and the Ligue 1. Chelsea recently announced the arrival of Maurizio Sarri and Arsenal replaced the long-serving Arsene Wenger with Unai Emery.
This information is important and relevant for Newcastle because it means the Magpies will face two clubs experiencing transitions. Of course, Chelsea and Arsenal are elite clubs and superior opponents, but it will take them several weeks to adapt to a new playing style.
This factor of adaptability goes in Newcastle’s favor as they will take on these two sides early in the season. Moreover, Newcastle will play both of these opponents at St. James’ Park. Will Sarri and Emery have their men prepared for a hostile environment on Tyneside? Time will tell.
Newcastle Can Compete
Looking at how the Magpies played and won against some major clubs last season, there is no reason why Newcastle cannot replicate those results. Elite clubs are comprised of stars and only need two or three to play well to earn three points. Clubs such as Newcastle are dependent on collective effort to win matches.
The first step to earning a positive result against title contenders is defensive solidity. Newcastle have proven that they have a strong defensive unit that can frustrate any opponent. Offensively, Newcastle will rely on their midfield to make plays happen, primarily from set pieces.
Newcastle will need proper mental and tactical preparation to start the season. If the Magpies can pull off a surprising victory and a few draws, they will be flying high after overcoming this rigorous schedule. If the Magpies struggle and are in the bottom three after one month of action, they need to remain calm and play with amnesia against weaker opposition.