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Newcastle must avoid the same March woes as past relegation seasons

By Carson A Merk

Newcastle defender Jamaal Lascelles (c) reacts as goalkeeper Rob Elliott is beaten by the first Bournemouth goal during the match between Newcastle United at A.F.C. Bournemouth at St James' Park on March 5 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Newcastle defender Jamaal Lascelles (c) reacts as goalkeeper Rob Elliott is beaten by the first Bournemouth goal during the match between Newcastle United at A.F.C. Bournemouth at St James' Park on March 5 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /
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The month of February saw Newcastle United fall down to 17th and 18th-place Fulham close the gap. After their draw vs. Wolves over the weekend, the Magpies turn their attention to maintaining and building on their three-point cushion above the drop zone in March.

This month, Newcastle have three matches on the schedule. They will West Bromwich Albion and Brighton and Hove Albion on the road with a home fixture vs. Aston Villa in the middle.

While three wins would be great and would give Newcastle some room to breathe, Steve Bruce’s side has only won consecutive matches at one point this season: November 27th vs. Crystal Palace and December 12th vs. West Brom.

March has proven to be a crucial month for the club in past relegation seasons. In 2009, Newcastle sat in 15th place as the calendar flipped. But, three losses and one draw saw them drop down to a relegation position from where they would never escape.

Newcastle United must have a better March than in their two previous relegation seasons.

During the 2015-16 season, Newcastle were residing in 19th on March 1, 2016. Just like in 2009, they would lose three matches and draw the other. They entered the month level on points with the 17th-place side and were down three points on April 1st. Rafa Benitez was also hired in the middle of March 2016 to replace Steve McClaren.

Next. This youngster could provide Newcastle a much-needed spark. dark

If the club is going to survive this season, they will need to perform better in March. With three winnable matches, March could prove to be a crucial month for Newcastle United’s quest for Premier League safety.