Relegation odds between Fulham and Newcastle United are razor thin

Manchester City have created a comfortable ten-point cushion for themselves at the top of the table, and the battle for European spots is wide open. The real nail-biting situation is at the bottom of the table.

As things stand, Fulham are on the verge of swapping places with Newcastle United to escape from the drop zone. While Newcastle United are the team closest to Fulham, teams like Crystal Palace, Burnley, and Brighton could get caught into this web if the Magpies start getting some results.

For now though, all eyes are directly on that Fulham-Newcastle United battle. Only three points separate the two teams in the table, and the latest prediction model from FiveThirtyEight has two points separating these teams when the final whistle of the season is blown.

The prediction model has Newcastle United surviving by the skin of their teeth with 38 points, while Fulham will drop down to the second tier of English football with 36 points. Anything is possible, and the fact that both clubs will meet on the season finale in London is the icing on the cake.

Will Newcastle United keep their head above water in this close relegation battle?

Personally speaking, I believe Newcastle United have enough talent to spark a quick resurgence that will keep them in the top flight.

This season has been completely wasted as the performances have not matched the hype around the quality of this squad, but Newcastle United fortunately have a more “lenient” schedule compared to Fulham’s to conclude the season.

After facing Crystal Palace, which might be a Fulham win, this weekend, Scott Parker’s men will need to dig deep in order to take any points from Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester City, Leeds United, Aston Villa, Wolves, Arsenal, and Chelsea. They also face Manchester United at Old Trafford one week before playing Newcastle United.

The Cottagers have one of the worst schedules to close out their campaign, and the Magpies need to take advantage of that when they face teams like Wolves, West Brom, Brighton, and Burnley over the next few weeks.

Those games will determine Newcastle United’s fate in the top flight, but they should be able to get the job done in most of those clashes with their new-look, attack-minded style.