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5 Matches Newcastle United must win in 2019

By Durim Halimi

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 18: Rafael Benitez, Manager of Newcastle United gives his team instructions during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on November 18, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 18: Rafael Benitez, Manager of Newcastle United gives his team instructions during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on November 18, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United have a lot of work to do if they wish to avoid relegation and there are five matches they must win.

Relegation battles are no fun and being relegated to the EFL Championship is a horrible feeling. Unfortunately, thanks to the irresponsible ownership of Mike Ashley, the Toon Army knows that feeling all too well. With Rafa Benitez in charge, the Spaniard is doing everything he possibly can with a mediocre roster and minimal budget to keep the Magpies in the Top Flight. Based on the number of points each team has earned thus far, the relegation battle currently consists of the following seven teams:

  • Crystal Palace (22 pts)
  • Newcastle (18 pts)
  • Burnley (18 pts)
  • Cardiff City (18 pts)
  • Southampton (16 pts)
  • Fulham (14 pts)
  • Huddersfield Town (10 pts)

The key question here is can Newcastle avoid relegation this season with so many bottom-half team neck and neck in the standings? The answer is yes, but the Magpies need to get maximum points from these five matches, as well as some unexpected positive results along the way.

January 19th vs. Cardiff City (Home)

Newcastle must win this match and that is final. Any dropped points against a weak Cardiff City side would make relegation even more probable. Cardiff City have lost 13 matches so far and they have conceded 41 goals in the process. I still pick them to go down and the Magpies must take care of business against them.

February 23rd vs. Huddersfield Town (Home)

Newcastle got the job done a few weeks ago when they defeated Huddersfield Town 1-0 on the road. Those three points have kept the Magpies out of the bottom three for now and they should claim the double over the Terriers at St. James’ Park next month.

February 27th vs. Burnley (Home)

Here is another team that Newcastle did well against on the road as they won and scored twice in the process at Turf Moor. Burnley are inconsistent and their defense just keeps conceding goals too easily. The Magpies must claim the double in this match and earn three crucial points right after the Huddersfield match. Two consecutive victories at home in the same week would also serve as a big boost for confidence heading into March.

April 20th vs. Southampton (Home)

This match is a little more tricky than most supporters would initially assume. The last time these two teams met, Southampton dominated the match despite the final result being 0-0. This will be a tough match for Newcastle, but playing in front of the Toon Army could lead to a big victory towards the end of the season.

dark. Next. New takeover request from Ashley is ridiculous

May 12th vs. Fulham (Away)

This is the season finale for Newcastle and it made the list because survival might not be secured until the final day of action. Newcastle failed to defeat Fulham at home a few weeks ago and it will be even tougher to earn three points in London. However, if survival has not been achieved before this match, we should all expect to see Newcastle playing with maximum urgency and effort. The Magpies need three points in this one.