Analyzing and predicting Newcastle’s next five games

Newcastle United are entering a crucial stage in the season and they have some favorable matches coming up on the schedule.

Newcastle United have avoided the drop zone with their draw, which should have been a victory, against Wolverhampton on Monday evening, and they have a chance to inch closer to the top ten if they can string together some positive results over the next few weeks.

The Magpies have a performance record of two wins, one draw and one loss over their last four matches, with three of those matches coming against teams placed first, third and seventh in the table. Newcastle should be high on confidence and a few wins over the next month could see them make the mid-table fight for better placement more interesting. That being said, let us analyze and predict Newcastle’s next five matches in the Premier League.

February 23: Newcastle United vs. Huddersfield Town

On paper, this will be Newcastle’s “easiest” match of the season as they host the worst team in the league at St. James’ Park. Huddersfield Town were tapped to go down at the start of the season, but no one expected them to play this poorly. The Terriers are sitting 20th in the table with a mere 11 points from 26 matches.

To make matters worse, Huddersfield are 14 points away from safety. Having only scored 19 goals all season, I cannot see the Terriers giving the Magpies much trouble later this month. Newcastle struggled in their road win against Huddersfield, but they will be more confident this time around. Prediction: Newcastle United 2-0 Huddersfield Town.

February 26: Newcastle United vs. Burnley

This match will be interesting as both teams had horrible starts to the season, but now they are playing impressive football. Burnley has been undefeated in their last seven matches and they have climbed the table to 15th with 27 points as a result of earning four wins and three draws. The Magpies looked good in their 2-1 victory at Turf Moor, but both teams will play with plenty of urgency at this stage in the season. The team that is more compact in the back will win this match and I think Jamaal Lascelles, Fabian Schar and Florian Lejeune will maintain their solidity at home. Prediction: Newcastle United 1-0 Burnley

March 2: West Ham vs. Newcastle United

The previous match was one to forget for the Toon Army. West Ham came to St. James’ Park and thrashed the Magpies 3-0. Anything can happen in this match as Newcastle have been stellar on the road and West Ham have been unpredictable. The Hammers can go out and defeat a tough opponent 2-0, but then lose 3-0 to a bottom half side. If West Ham loses their two matches before playing Newcastle, and if Newcastle defeat Huddersfield and Burnley, a win for the Magpies in London would enable Rafa Benitez’s side to jump over West Ham in the table.  Prediction: West Ham 2-2 Newcastle.

March 9: Newcastle United vs. Everton

Everton are an interesting team because they spend a lot of money on talented players, but they always end up being an average team that does not compete for much. Everton may be in 9th place at the moment, but they have not been playing good football as of late. In their last six games, Everton have two victories and four losses.

They play Liverpool before traveling to Newcastle and they will surely look make up for what should be a loss against the Reds when they face Newcastle. Prediction: Newcastle United 1-1 Everton.

March 16: Bournemouth vs. Newcastle United

Some of you may disagree, but this will be Newcastle’s most difficult match over the next few weeks. Bournemouth are a tricky team that can slip up at times, but they can also show up and dominate a match, just look at how they dismantled Chelsea 4-0. Dean Court is the smallest stadium in the Top Flight, but the atmosphere can be problematic for opponents.

Newcastle will hang on to make this a close match, but Eddie Howe’s men will most likely avenge their previous to defeat to Newcastle. Prediction: Bournemouth 2-1 Newcastle.