Newcastle United have some difficult fixtures coming up, but are they capable of causing some upsets?
Newcastle United ruined a great opportunity to take three points against Brighton over the weekend by allowing the Seagulls to dominate the game. Fortunately, the Magpies managed to keep a clean sheet and salvaged a point from an abysmal performance. Missing out on three points over the weekend will prove to be costly, though, seeing that three of the Magpies’ next five opponents are top ten sides. That being said, let’s take a look at Newcastle United’s upcoming fixtures.
Leicester City (Away) – 09/29
Leicester City are off to flying start this season with three victories and two draws under their belt. Being in third place after six games does not mean much so early in the season, but it means a great deal for the Foxes’ confidence. Newcastle United have won their last two meetings at King Power Stadium, but Leicester City have added some top talent this summer and their attacking style of play is capable of overwhelming the Toon’s back-line. I think Newcastle United’s stubborn defending will keep them in the game, but Leicester City have too many scoring options within their squad.
Prediction: Leicester City 2-1 Newcastle United
Manchester United (Home) – 10/06
This is the perfect time to host Manchester United. The elite English club is experiencing a crisis after being in eighth place six games into the season. The Red Devils are struggling to score goals as a result of lacking a true striker now that Romelu Lukaku is gone, and Marcus Rashford’s injury doesn’t help in that regard. I still think Manchester United will be the favorites in this game, however, I am expecting the Magpies to get a point. Another bold prediction – this will be Ole’s last game in charge of Manchester United if my prediction is correct.
Prediction: Newcastle United 1-1 Manchester United
Chelsea (Away) – 10/19
Chelsea are a tricky and unpredictable team. Frank Lampard has no choice but to depend on young talent this season, but players like Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount have stepped up to the plate to score a combined total of 10 goals so far this campaign. The Magpies can definitely compete in this game if they open up and take some risks going forward, but I think Abraham will continue his fine form in front of goal. An upset for the Toon would not surprise me, but I will stick to my gut and predict a minimal loss in London.
Prediction: Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle United
Wolverhampton (Home) – 10/27
Like Watford, Wolverhampton have taken many people by surprise with their slow start to the season. It’s quite obvious that the Europa League is becoming a major distraction for them as they sit among the bottom three with four points. Things won’t get any easier for them before playing Newcastle United either seeing that they will play Manchester City and have two Europa League clashes, one of which is in Slovakia three days prior to playing at St. James’ Park. Fatigue and distractions will be a problem for Wolverhampton, so I am expecting three points for the Toon.
Prediction: Newcastle United 2-0 Wolverhampton
West Ham (Away) – 11/02
West Ham are playing with confidence at this stage in the season and they deserve their place among the top five in the Premier League. The 5-0 beating they took from Manchester City on opening day hurt their goal differential, but they have learned their lesson. The Hammers have only conceded two goals in their last five games and they look good offensively as five different players have found the back of the net. West ham claimed the double over Newcastle United last season and I expect them to handle business at home once again.
Prediction: West Ham 2-1 Newcastle United