Newcastle United are in line for some negative results, according to the calculations compiled by FiveThirtyEight.
Newcastle United are in a good place as they move toward the second weekend of Premier League action. The Magpies opened their 2020-21 campaign in London, and departed from England’s capital with three points after claiming a 2-0 victory over West Ham.
Goals from two newcomers – Callum Wilson and Jeff Hendrick – sealed the deal for Steve Bruce’s men. With momentum now on their side, the Toon are looking forward to Saturday’s clash against Brighton at St. James’ Park.
The Magpies have not taken three points from the Seagulls since both teams earned promotion together in the summer of 2017.
According to updated calculations from FiveThirtyEight, that trend should change this weekend as Newcastle United are slight favorites to win at home. The Magpies’ next four league games, after Saturday, consist of Tottenham (A), Burnley (H), Manchester United (H), and Wolves (A).
All four teams were top ten sides last season, with Manchester United finishing third, Tottenham finishing sixth, Wolves finishing seventh due to goal difference, and Burnley rounded out the top ten.
That being said, the computer’s calculations only consider Newcastle United favorites to win this weekend against Brighton, and on October 17th when they host Burnley.
The Magpies’ odds of pulling an off a full upset against Tottenham, Manchester United, and Wolverhampton are 19%, while their odds of taking a point from the aforementioned teams are as follows:
- Tottenham – 24%
- Manchester United – 23%
- Wolverhampton – 27%
It is still too early to tell how the team will perform going forward, and whether or not they can develop consistency, but fans and pundits were impressed with the shift they put in against West Ham.
The Magpies implemented an open style of play, passed the ball around well, and certainly looked more dynamic in the final third.
Tottenham, Manchester United, and Wolverhampton will, without a doubt, present major challenges for Newcastle United, but the Toon will be competitive in those games, especially with their new signings.
Writer’s Predictions
My predictions, in terms of final outcome, for the next five games can be found below.
- Newcastle United vs. Brighton – WIN
- Tottenham vs. Newcastle United – DRAW
- Newcastle United vs. Burnley – WIN
- Newcastle United vs. Manchester United – LOSS
- Wolverhampton vs. Newcastle United – LOSS
With those results, Newcastle will take seven points from their next five games, which would take their tally to ten points through six games.
Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments section below.