Newcastle United are flying high after claiming back-to-back wins, but can Steve Bruce’s side maintain this run of form against Aston Villa, Manchester City and Sheffield United?
The international break came at a horrible time for Newcastle United. The two-week break forced the Magpies’ to press the pause button on their great run of form. Steve Bruce’s squad now has three difficult games coming up against teams that present their own unique challenges on both ends of the pitch.
Newcastle United will return to Premier League action next Monday when they take on Aston Villa at Villa Park, and then they have a tough home game against Manchester City followed by what will be an intriguing encounter against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. That being said, how will the Toon fare against these clubs?
Aston Villa vs. Newcastle United (Villa Park, 11/25)
Aston Villa have been solid defensively at home and four of Newcastle United’s five losses this season have been on the road, so I definitely think it will be a true battle in Birmingham. Aston Villa will be desperate for a win to end their three game losing streak, but Newcastle United are hot at the moment.
The Villans will be without their first and second choice keepers for this clash, and this will surely serve as motivation for the Magpies’ front three to score some goals. In the end, though, I think both teams will split the points at Villa Park.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-2 Newcastle United
Newcastle United vs. Manchester City (St. James’ Park, 11/30)
In my opinion, this game will be much closer than most people think. Manchester City are obviously the favorites to take all three points on Tyneside, but they will be a busy team that week. Before facing the Magpies, the defending Premier League champions will play a confident Chelsea side and three days later they will be competing in the Champions League against Shakhtar Donetsk.
That busy schedule benefits Newcastle United, but I still think it will be tough for Steve Bruce’s troops to emulate their upset from last season. Manchester City are currently nine points behind Liverpool in the title race and Pep Guardiola will most likely deploy his strongest lineup to ensure his side doesn’t drop any more crucial points.
Prediction: Newcastle United 0-3 Manchester City
Sheffield United vs. Newcastle United (Bramall Lane, 12/5)
I can’t wait for this game to roll around the corner. Sheffield United have been the most intriguing team in the Premier League so far. Almost everyone predicted them to finish the season in the league basement, but they find themselves sitting 5th in the table after 12 games. The Blades have only conceded nine goals all season and they have been catching teams by surprise with their overlapping center-backs.
Newcastle United are finally clicking on all fronts and it will be interesting to see what tactics will prevail: the Blades’ overlapping center-backs or the Magpies’ overlapping wing-backs. Much like Newcastle United, Sheffield United have also struggled with the lack of goals from their strikers this season, so we should expect an aggressive battle in midfield. All in all, I think one goal will be enough to secure the win, and I think Newcastle United will come out victorious despite the Blades’ impressive start to the season.
Prediction: Sheffield United 0-1 Newcastle United