Can Newcastle United win four of their next six matches?

Newcastle United have a lenient schedule up until December 26th, but can they win most of their matches between now and then?

Newcastle United are enjoying their football at the moment as they have defeated two unlikely opponents in Watford and Bournemouth over the last two weekends. The Magpies have every right to feel good after escaping the relegation zone with two crucial wins that moved them up to 14th in the table with nine points.

Looking ahead, the Toon Army should be optimistic seeing that Newcastle will face mediocre teams like Burnley, West Ham, Huddersfield Town and Fulham. These are the matches that Newcastle will be expected to win and 12 points would be massive for a side aiming to avoid relegation this season. How likely is it that Newcastle will actually handle business against these four squads?

Three Wins, One Draw

As much as I want to believe that Newcastle will claim all 12 points from these four opponents, I think the Magpies will drop points in one match on the road. With that being said, predicting that Newcastle will place ten points in the bag is a pretty bold prediction, but there are three reasons that stand behind my logic.

Firstly, Newcastle will play their next few matches with confidence after defeating two teams that were in the top seven. As we all witnessed last term, Newcastle can be a dangerous team when they play with confidence and if the Magpies’ opponents do not play with sufficient urgency to steal points then Newcastle will walk over teams like Burnley, Fulham and Huddersfield Town.

Secondly, three of the teams Newcastle will face over the next few weeks – Burnley, Huddersfield Town and Fulham – have an alarming combined goal differential of -49. Over the last four matches, Newcastle have created 61 shot attempts and they will certainly look to expose the vulnerable back-lines of the aforementioned teams through their effective wing play.

Last, but not least, Rafa Benitez will remind his team that if they want to secure crucial points to climb the table they must do it now. The schedule between December 26th and February 2nd will be brutal, to say the least. During that time period, Newcastle will face Liverpool (A), Manchester United (H), Chelsea (A), Manchester City (H) and Tottenham (A). The Magpies know they must win their next few games and Benitez will make sure his side are best prepared to compete for three points.