Newcastle United have three favorable matches that they must win this month.
After a shocking 3-0 defeat at the hands of West Ham at St. James’ Park yesterday, Newcastle United must learn to play with amnesia. The Magpies’ next opponent is an in-form Everton that currently claims a spot among the top six. Although Newcastle will be underdogs in this match, there are three matches this month that Rafa Benitez’s men can and should win.
After the Everton match Newcastle will face Wolverhampton, Huddersfield Town and Fulham – three bottom-half clubs that have lost a combined total of 23 matches. Here are a few reasons why Newcastle should steal nine points from these three matches.
December 9th: Wolverhampton (Home)
Of the three matches mentioned in this article, Wolverhampton will be the most difficult bottom-half club that Newcastle will face. Wolverhampton are a newly-promoted side, but their influx of Portuguese talent has made them a competitive side.
The new team on the block got off to a hot start, but their recent form of zero wins, one draw and five losses in their last six matches is a reflection of reality hitting the former Championship side. Newcastle will play Wolverhampton at the best time and at home. Three points will not come easy, but they are certainly possible.
December 15th: Huddersfield Town (Away)
The toughest thing about this match is not necessarily the opponent’s quality, but rather the atmosphere of the home supporters at Kirklees Stadium. It may be one of the smallest stadiums in the league with a seating capacity of 24,000, but Newcastle completely collapsed here last season. This is a must-win match for Newcastle and they are favorites to win on paper. Benitez should have his men fully prepared for this match and the sole expectation is three points.
December 22nd: Fulham (Home)
Four days prior to facing Liverpool at Anfield, the Magpies will take on last-placed Fulham at St. James’ Park. The newly promoted side from London will play with urgency to climb out of the relegation zone, but Newcastle will also aim to create more of a cushion in the relegation battle before playing elite teams in January.
This match will see Aleksandar Mitrovic return to Tyneside, but his teammates on the back-line have conceded 33 goals in 13 matches and this does not bode well for his side. Newcastle should have a big game against such a vulnerable defensive unit.