Newcastle Toons
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The next two months will determine Newcastle’s fate in the Premier League

By Durim Halimi

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 15: Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez (l) reacts on the sidelines during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC at St. James Park on September 15, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 15: Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez (l) reacts on the sidelines during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal FC at St. James Park on September 15, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United have a chance to climb the table between October and December with a lenient schedule. However, too many dropped points could guarantee relegation.

Newcastle United are experiencing their worst start ever in the top tier of English football as the Magpies remain winless heading into the ninth match of the season. After a heartbreaking loss to Manchester United last weekend, Newcastle have turned their attention to their next opponent, Brighton.

The match against Brighton will be played on October 20th at St. James’ Park and it will be one of the most important matches of the season for Newcastle. The Brighton match is the first of many “lenient” matches for Newcastle and a victory on October 20th could  revive the lost hope of survival on Tyneside.

The Magpies are desperate for a victory and consistency in form. The next two months will be crucial for Newcastle. If Rafa Benitez’s men do not claim some victories, they will be relegation favorites by December.

Must-Win Games

Newcastle is fully capable of winning their next two matches against Brighton (home) and Southampton (away). Anything less than six points will be a major disappointment for Benitez, the players and the Toon Army. Two consecutive victories this month will enable Newcastle to temporarily escape the drop zone, but they would also generate new confidence ahead of two more competitive matches against Watford and Bournemouth, both at home.

St. James Park on August 26, 2018. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
St. James Park on August 26, 2018. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /

Watford and Bournemouth have surprised everyone in England with their positive form, but Newcastle can earn positive results against both sides at St. James’ Park. A competitive loss would be tolerated, but Newcastle must give it their all.

Following Watford and Bournemouth are Burnley and West Ham. These two affairs are must-win matches for Newcastle. Burnely has two wins this season, but they are still one of the worst sides in the Premier League. Newcastle have a good shot at winning that match on the road. West Ham looks to be on the rise, but their defensive inconsistency should be exploited. Newcastle claimed the double over the Hammers last term and scored three goals in each match. The expectation will be to repeat last year’s performances.

The other two matches that Newcastle absolutely must win before they play Liverpool in late December are against Huddersfield (away) and Fulham (home). Huddersfield have conceded 17 goals in eight matches and Fulham have conceded 21 goals. Newcastle will be a rare favorite in these two matches and Benitez must prepare his men for nothing less than six points.

Relegation Concerns

If Newcastle fail to earn positive results in the aforementioned matches, then Toon fans should prepare for a long season in the EFL Championship next term. One would expect Newcastle to learn from the early tests this season to handle business against mid-table opponents, but no one ever knows what to expect in the Premier League. With that being said, Newcastle must be successful between October 20th and December 26th if they want to avoid relegation.