Ahead of the game against Burnley tonight, Alan Shearer has made it very clear to Newcastle United what is expected of them in the next month.
Newcastle are currently sitting in 14th place in the Premier League table, which is simply not good enough. Still, there is a long way to go this season.
How many points will Newcastle get here?
Surely anything less than 12 points would be unacceptable… 👀
While Eddie Howe’s job is safe, there are still plenty of concerns behind the scenes about various aspects of the way the team is playing.
Suffice it to say, another defeat at Turf Moor against Burnley on Tuesday night would really pile on the pressure. But, Alan Shearer thinks this game can also be a catalyst for better things to come.
- READ MORE: Eddie Howe must be terrified of Premier League decision just days after Sean Dyche lost his cool
Newcastle United need to win their next four games
In an appearance on Match of the Day, the Newcastle United legend was staying positive about the upcoming run of games for the Magpies and suggested this could be the turning point for their season.
He said: “Absolutely [this can turn the tide]. We were talking about Fulham being in a relegation battle two or three weeks ago and they win three games on the spin and are in the top half now.
“That is what Newcastle have to do. They have Burnley, Palace, Leeds and Wolves in their next four games. That is a great opportunity to win some games.”
Those four league games come amid a hectic January schedule for Newcastle that includes crucial Champions League matches against PSV Eindhoven and PSG, the FA Cup third round clash with Bournemouth, and the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Man City.
To say that this period of games could make or break Newcastle’s season is not an exaggeration.
- READ MORE: Eddie Howe names three players who can lift the mood at Newcastle United, one is on the way
If Newcastle United don’t beat Burnley, where would you stand on Eddie Howe’s future?
The pressure is building!
Where Newcastle could be if results go their way
Let’s assume the best case scenario here where Newcastle pick up maximum points from these next four games. That’s something that could and should realistically happen, but even then, the 12 points gained might only put Newcastle just outside the top five or six spots in the league.
Indeed, Aston Villa could gain zero points in that time and still be ahead of Newcastle before the two teams meet at the end of January. That’s a damning indictment of the gap between Newcastle and Aston Villa this season if ever there was one.
Still, getting to 35 points before the end of next month would be a big step forward in the right direction for the Magpies. You have to assume that the teams above them will be collecting points, too, but while we might not see all that much in the way of climbing the table, it’s vital that Newcastle make up some ground on their rivals quickly.
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