Newcastle United's Survival Hopes: A Glimmer of Light in the Festive Period

Strategic Insights -

Newcastle United were on the brink of relegation doom after back-to-back defeats against Leicester City and Crystal Palace, and Sunderland's mini-revival under Sam Allardyce had raised concerns among Magpies fans. However, the Premier League fixture computer has been kind to Newcastle, serving up two winnable home games against rock-bottom Aston Villa and Everton, which could see them climb out of the bottom three. Meanwhile, Sunderland's unfavourable festive schedule, including a trip to Chelsea and Manchester City, could have a significant impact on their survival hopes.

Key Takeaways:

  • Newcastle United's next two home games against Aston Villa and Everton are winnable and crucial for their survival hopes.
  • Sunderland's unfavourable festive schedule, including trips to Chelsea and Manchester City, could jeopardize their survival hopes.
  • The Magpies could climb out of the bottom three by securing wins against Villa and Everton.
  • Norwich City also have two tough Christmas fixtures, away to Manchester United and against Spurs on Boxing Day.
  • Aston Villa need quick wins to get out of trouble, with a trip to St James' Park followed by home games against West Ham and Norwich.
  • Newcastle United's unlikely fixtures could see them emerge from the testing December period with a solid points haul.
  • Former Newcastle star Joey Barton emphasized the importance of winning games against "so-called lesser teams" to secure survival.

Statistics:

  • 20-game mark last season: Sunderland had 20 points and stayed up, while Crystal Palace had three points less and occupied the same third-bottom spot as Newcastle do now, but still survived.
  • Newcastle United's current position: third-bottom in the Premier League table.
  • Relegation odds (Sky Bet): Aston Villa 2/9, Sunderland 2/5, Newcastle 11/10.
  • Remaining fixtures: Newcastle United -> Aston Villa (h), Everton (h), Tottenham (a), and West Brom (a); Sunderland -> Watford (h), Chelsea (a), Manchester City (a), and Liverpool (h).

Sources:

  • Lee Ryder, "Newcastle United are still one of the favourites to be relegated with the bookmakers. but the hectic festive period offers them light at the end of the tunnel."
  • [No external sources provided]