Newcastle United will be expected to perform at a high level on Saturday. The Magpies must, at all costs, defeat Cardiff City.
After facing teams like Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea over the last few weeks, Newcastle United will finally play an opponent they can, and should, defeat. After a hot streak of three consecutive victories in November, the Magpies have dropped back down to the bottom three in the Premier League standings.
As a result, the Toon Army is rightfully doubting whether or not their beloved Newcastle United can maintain their Top Flight status at the end of the season. In order for that to happen, the Magpies must defeat their relegation rivals and this Saturday presents Rafa Benitez’s side with a chance to do just that. Newcastle have been horrendous at St. James’ Park this season, but they must claim all three points against Cardiff City at home this weekend.
Relegation Battle: Newcastle vs. Cardiff City
The disparity between Newcastle and Cardiff City is a mere one point in the table. Cardiff City are barely sitting outside the drop zone in 17th place with 19 points from 22 matches, while Newcastle claim the top spot in the bottom three with 18 points.
As sad as it is to say, both teams almost have identical performance records and there is not much to split the two sides. Cardiff City outplayed the Magpies earlier this season in Wales, but the two teams split the points after Kenedy missed a penalty kick in stoppage time. This time around, however, Newcastle cannot afford to make major mistakes. Players like Jamaal Lascelles, DeAndre Yedlin, Matt Ritchie, Christian Atsu and Salomon Rondon need to have big performances on Saturday.
It would be completely unacceptable if the Magpies failed to take three points against direct relegation rivals at home, especially when upcoming matches consist of difficult, superior opponents. This match will not be easy, but Newcastle must punish Cardiff City if they want to climb out of the bottom three this weekend. Not only would a victory improve Newcastle’s placement in the table, it would also serve as a much-needed boost of confidence to get some more positive results. A draw or a loss would definitely move Newcastle closer to the EFL Championship.