Prediction: Newcastle will achieve survival by March 21st

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 21: Members of the Newcastle side celebrate after the Premier League match between Everton FC and Newcastle United at Goodison Park on January 21, 2020 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 21: Members of the Newcastle side celebrate after the Premier League match between Everton FC and Newcastle United at Goodison Park on January 21, 2020 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United are only nine points shy of reaching the magic number, 40 points, and they will reach this tally by March 21st.

Newcastle United only need nine points to reach the 40-point mark, and they are currently seven points clear of the relegation zone. At the moment, no team ranked ninth and below can be considered safe. The difference between Everton (ninth) and West Ham (18th) is only nine points, which means the narrative could change quickly over the course of three or four games.

Newcastle United have had some poor performances this season, but they have found ways to frustrate their opponents defensively and steal points late in games through effective counter-attacks. January was supposed to be a difficult month for Steve Bruce’s side, but the Magpies surprised everyone with two draws away from home against Wolverhampton and Everton, and they stunned Chelsea with a stoppage time winner at St. James’ Park.

Looking ahead at the club’s schedule through the end of March, one can label their list of fixtures as favorable. A favorable schedule should not be interpreted as easy, but it does mean that Newcastle United can be competitive and earn positive results. So, without further delay, let me explain why I am confident that Newcastle United will maintain their Premier League status by March 21st.

Arsenal, Crystal Palace, and Burnley: Five Points

Newcastle United will only play at home once this month when they host Burnley on February 29th, and their other two games will be in London against Arsenal and Crystal Palace. Each team will present the Magpies with a unique challenge, but Allan Saint-Maximin and company have enough talent and momentum to compete with these three teams.

Arsenal have zero confidence at the moment seeing that they have only won once since Mikel Arteta took over as manager. I expect the Gunners to dominate the game against the Magpies, but they are known for wasting their chances, so do not be surprised to see a draw at the Emirates Stadium.

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Crystal Palace are at the same level as Newcastle United, and both teams struggle to score goals. This will be one of those games where the keepers might be forced to make a few crucial saves, but a 0-0 scoreline would be a safe bet here. In the final game this month, Newcastle United will host a Burnley side that has exceeded expectations this season, but they will fail to claim the double over the Toon at a full St. James’ Park. Newcastle United will get the job done at home and claim five points to conclude the month.

So’ton, Sheffield, and Aston Villa: Four Points

Four points from three games means Newcastle United will suffer one defeat, and I think that defeat will come against Southampton on the road. Danny Ings is scoring goals for fun and the Saints have been playing some of the best football in the Premier League over the last few months.

As far as the other two games against Sheffield United and Aston Villa are concerned, Newcastle United will take something from both games in back-to-back home games. The Blades will cause problems for the Magpies, especially with their impressive use of overlapping center-backs. Sheffield United will also look to avenge their 2-0 loss earlier this season, but Newcastle United are a bad matchup for them. A draw is the most likely outcome in this clash.

Finally, we arrive at the game that will officially secure Newcastle United’s survival on March 21st. Aston Villa are a talented team, but they are inconsistent and have not utilized momentum at all this season. Dean Smith’s men defeated the Magpies 2-0 at Villa Park, but both of their goals came from set pieces. Newcastle United created some good chances in that game, but I expect them to make the most of their chances this time around. Three points here will see Newcastle United reach the 40-point mark.

Bruce is making the same mistake as Benitez. dark. Next

What are your thoughts regarding these predictions? Do you think Newcastle United will claim nine points from their next six games? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.