EPL Week 13: Results that would help Newcastle United

Newcastle United will be focused on claiming their third consecutive victory on Monday, but the misfortune of a few other teams this weekend would also benefit the Magpies.

Finally, we can all see the light at the end of the tunnel now that Premier League action is only a few days away. Newcastle United were in fine form before the international break, but can they maintain their momentum on Monday when they take on Aston Villa at Villa Park? We will have to wait and see, but you can read my prediction for that match here.

A win on Monday could see Newcastle United break into the top ten, but sometimes teams need a bit of luck when it comes to climbing the table. There will be some interesting matches this weekend and a list of results that would benefit the Magpies are listed and explained below. It is worth mentioning, though, that the match between Manchester City and Chelsea was excluded from this list because the result in that top four clash has no impact on Newcastle United.

West Ham vs. Tottenham

• The best result for Newcastle United here would be a victory for Tottenham. Yes, Tottenham would climb ahead of Newcastle United if the Magpies lose on Monday, but in the long run, Newcastle United will be competing against West Ham in the middle of the pack, not Tottenham.

Arsenal vs. Southampton

• An Arsenal victory is what Newcastle United need this weekend. Keeping Southampton in relegation zone would, at the very least, maintain the seven point cushion the Magpies enjoy over the Saints. A win for the Toon and a loss for the Saints would see the disparity rise to ten points.

Brighton vs. Leicester City

• Brighton are level on points with Newcastle United, so a win for Leicester City is what the Toon Army should be hoping for. A win or draw for the Magpies would lift them above the Seagulls if they were to lose. It would be nice if Leicester City can win by a large margin as this would benefit Steve Bruce’s side in terms of goal differential, too.

Watford vs. Burnley

• Even though a win for Burnley would keep them above Newcastle United in the standings, a loss for Watford would benefit the Magpies for a longer period of time. If Newcastle United and Watford lose, Newcastle United would still be seven points ahead. If Newcastle United win and Watford lose, Newcastle United would be ten points clear of the relegation zone, assuming Southampton and Norwich City also suffer defeats.

Crystal Palace vs. Liverpool

• Crystal Palace is another team with the same number of points as Newcastle United, so it’s obvious that the Magpies need Liverpool to win. If both Crystal Palace and Newcastle United lose, the Magpies would need the league leaders to score multiple goals against the Eagles in order to go ahead of them in the standings because of goal differential. Newcastle United have conceded one more goal than Crystal Palace so far this season.

Bournemouth vs. Wolves

• Both teams are currently ahead of Newcastle United in the table, but the Cherries and Wolves only have one more point than the Magpies. That being said, a draw in their match would be the best result. If Newcastle United win on Monday they would pass both teams if they drew, and if Newcastle United lose to Aston Villa they would only be two points behind.

Everton vs. Norwich City

• You have probably noticed the trend in my selections when a match involves teams in the drop zone. My mindset is that they should stay there, at least until Newcastle United have created a comfortable gap. That being said, an Everton win would see them jump ahead of Newcastle United if they lose on Monday, but I would much rather see Norwich City stay at seven points. A win for the Toon could see them go 11 points clear of the Canaries.

Sheffield United vs. Manchester United

• Sheffield United and Manchester United are currently fifth and seventh in the league standings, but the Blades only have two more points than the Magpies, and the Red Devils are only ahead by one point. The best result as far as Newcastle United are concerned would be a victory for Sheffield United. Such a result would keep the Blades ahead of the Magpies, but Newcastle United could go as high as seventh if they win and Manchester United lose. Then again, if both Newcastle United and Manchester United lose, Steve Bruce’s side would still only be one point behind the Red Devils. It’s also worth noting that Newcastle United will face Sheffield United on December 5th, which means the Magpies could make up some ground in that clash.