Newcastle United: Five matches that can turn the season around
By Durim Halimi
Newcastle United still occupy a place among the bottom three, but there are five matches that can help the Magpies climb the table.
The way most clubs have spent money during the summer transfer window, it is fair to say that there will not be any easy matches for Newcastle United this season. That does not mean that Newcastle are doomed, but it does mean that the Magpies will have to work hard to take points from every opponent.
After a poor start to the season due to a rigorous schedule, Newcastle can start seeing the light at the end of the tunnel as their schedule will become more lenient. With that being said, here are five matches to keep an eye on between October and December that could help Newcastle gradually climb the table.
October 20th – Newcastle vs. Brighton
With five points from six matches, Brighton are off to a decent start this season, but they lack the quality to earn a top ten finish. Newcastle will host Brighton at St. James’ Park two weeks after they play Manchester United at Old Trafford. With two weeks to prepare for a mediocre opponent at home, Newcastle have a good chance at claiming three points.
October 27th – Southampton vs. Newcastle
Like Brighton, Southampton also have five points and are currently 14th in the table. The Saints are a decent side, but they are also inconsistent. Thus far, they have only taken points from Burnley, Crystal Palace and Brighton. Newcastle did well against Southampton last season and they are fully capable of earning a positive result on the road this term as well.
November 26th – Burnley vs. Newcastle
From finishing among the top seven last season to competing in a relegation battle this season, Burnley are currently in a crisis. Yes, Burnley are ahead of Newcastle in the standings after defeating Bournemouth, but they looked horrible in all four of their losses, especially their 4-2 loss to Fulham. It will not be easy for the Magpies at Turf Moor, but with some offensive urgency they can win against a defensive-minded Burnley.
December 1st – Newcastle vs. West Ham
Newcastle claimed the double over West Ham last season and scored six goals in the process. West Ham now have a new manager in Manuel Pellegrini and they have spent large sums of money, but their back-line is still among the weakest in the Premier League. Newcastle should be the superior side in this clash, especially with the support of 52,000 at home against a team that has already conceded 11 goals.
December 15th – Huddersfield vs. Newcastle
Huddersfield Town are currently rock bottom in the league table after only scoring three goals and conceding 14 in six matches. Huddersfield’s offense is non-existent at the moment and their defense is struggling to stop opponents. Newcastle struggled at the Kirklees stadium last season, but Newcastle should not have many problems this time around against a Huddersfield side that has weakened since last term.