Tough road ahead: Predicting the next five clashes for Newcastle United

Newcastle United need to be prepared for some difficult games against top teams over the next few weeks.

The difficult stretch of games has already begun for Newcastle United, and it started with a heavy 4-1 defeat to Manchester United at St. James’ Park. The Magpies experienced a bit of everything in their opening five fixtures with two wins, one draw, and two defeats. Here is a recap of the team’s last five games:

• West Ham 0-2 Newcastle
• Newcastle United 0-3 Brighton
• Tottenham 1-1 Newcastle United
• Newcastle United 3-1 Burnley
• Newcastle United 1-4 Manchester United

Based on the results listed above, it is fair to say that Newcastle United are yet to develop any consistency this season. Steve Bruce has not deployed his best possible lineup yet either, but fans are hoping that will change this weekend.

Note: The predictions listed below assume that Bruce will alter his tactics and team selection.

Wolverhampton (A) – Oct. 25

Wolverhampton have been all over the place in terms of their form this season, but that seems to be a common trend with them at the start of every campaign. Adama Traore and Raul Jimenez have formed a lethal partnership in the final third, and they will undoubtedly be a handful for the Magpies’ leaky defense.

Newcastle United also have their fair share of dynamic players as well, and Callum Wilson will be eager to get on the score sheet after missing a golden opportunity against Manchester United. Games between these two teams are always close. My prediction for this clash is a 1-1 draw at the Molineux Stadium.

Everton (H) – Nov. 1

Everton are in top form to start the season, and Carlo Ancelotti will look to continue that good run against Newcastle United. With 14 goals scored in five games, the Toffees enjoy the second-best tally in the top flight and that does not bode well for the Toon.

Newcastle United have shown that they can be competitive against some top teams, but Everton should win (2-0) as they are full of confidence at the moment.

Southampton (A) – Nov. 7

This is one of those games that can go either way. When looking at the quality of both teams on paper there is very little to split them. Their form to start the season is identical, and their overall statistics are essentially the same as well.

Newcastle United seem to play more open, fluid football against the Saints, at least that was the case last season, and they should get the job done 2-1, so long as they contain Danny Ings.

Chelsea (H) – Nov. 21

Chelsea were tapped by many pundits and neutral fans to finish among the top three after conducting stellar transfer business this summer, but they have dropped the ball a few times early on. West Brom and Southampton both fought hard to frustrate the Blues as they each earned 3-3 draws against Frank Lampard’s men.

The Baggies and Saints did so by breaking out of their shell and taking the game to Chelsea. We know Newcastle United will not do that, so fans should expect a 3-0 defeat in London.

Crystal Palace (A) – Nov. 28

Much like the Southampton game that was predicted above, this clash can go either way. Crystal Palace were tossed to the side rather comfortably by Chelsea (4-0), but they upset Manchester United at Old Trafford (3-1), and they held their own against Everton until VAR contributed to their 2-1 loss.

This game will be open as both teams have players that want to press forward and create plays, but the Magpies have not won at Selhurst Park since April, 2016. The Toon will have to wait until next season for all three points, though, as I expect another draw: 2-2.

Prediction Calculator

With my predictions above Newcastle United will only take five points from their next five games. At present, the Magpies have seven points. These results would increase their tally to 12 points through 10 games.

It would be nice if they could get at least two wins during this stretch, but it all depends how on much urgency they display against Wolverhampton, Southampton, and Crystal Palace.

What are your thoughts regarding these predictions? Share your predictions in the comments section below.