The Premier League is back and for Newcastle United, the first few games are about picking up enough points to avoid relegation.
At the table stands right now, Newcastle are eight points clear of the drop zone, a good start would see them safe but if they come back and struggle in the first few games, those below will cut the gap.
The Magpies are just four points away from being in the top half, but for now that is on the backburner until safety is assured.
Newcastle United Remaining Games
Nine games remain for Newcastle and crucially, they will view their first four as winnable. They end with a run of five games that won’t be easy, including three big clubs, so points on the board early will be crucial.
- June 21 vs Sheffield United
- June 24 vs Aston Villa
- July 1 @ Bournemouth
- July 4 vs West Ham
- July 8 @ Manchester City
- July 11 @ Watford
- July 15 vs Tottenham
- July 18 @ Brighton
- July 26 vs Liverpool
As you can see, points look much easier to come by from the first four than the last five.
How Many Points are Needed to Stay Up?
Many players and managers in the Premier League talk about the magical number of 40 points. This isn’t always needed, though it is a good number to aim for. Currently on 35, Newcastle need five points to get there.
The betting sites UK punters can use already have the odds available for individual games as well as the relegation battle. Newcastle are not amongst the relegation favourites, which the league table also shows, but just a little more is needed.
Who Will be Relegated?
The chances of Newcastle being relegated themselves are slim, but they are almost certain to have a big say in who does go down.
Five of the nine games left feature clubs who are currently below Newcastle in the standings. Aston Villa and Bournemouth are currently in the relegation zone while West Ham, Watford and Brighton are all just above.
There’s going to be some huge games played over the coming weeks that feature The Magpies, and their results against clubs at the bottom are going to have an impact on who survives and who doesn’t.
Can Newcastle Make the Top Half?
Looking at the positive side of things, Newcastle do have a chance of making the top half of the Premier League table. As we have already said, their fixture list is quite a favourable one, with five games against those who are struggling near the bottom of the league.
They could play Manchester City and Liverpool at a time when they have nothing but pride to play for, which may mean a slightly weaker team is played.
The club are making strides off the field this summer, and those could be matched on the field with a top half finish to round off this extended season.
10th position is a genuine possibility this season, and the fixture list Newcastle have gives them a shot.