We are approaching the halfway stage of the season now, and we just spotted something very interesting (and worrying) about the remaining games Newcastle United have to play.
With 17 games gone, Newcastle are sitting in 11th place in the Premier League table with 23 points. They are already six points off the top five and are miles behind Aston Villa in third.
Throwing it away AGAIN! 😬
Newcastle drop points from a winning position once more… Which of these failures disappoints you the most?
Despite positive results here and there, consistency is an issue for Newcastle. Eddie Howe has a handful of issues to solve at the club over the coming days, weeks, and months, that’s for sure.
But, after the game against Chelsea, the Magpies have a massive challenge ahead as we look at their fixture list for the rest of the season.
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Newcastle United have already used up St. James’ Park credit
If we consider the established Big Six teams to be the most difficult opponents Newcastle could face, you might be happy to hear that Newcastle have already played five of them, with Manchester United due to complete the set on Boxing Day.
However, all five of those fixtures have been played at St. James’ Park. As we’ve learned this season, Newcastle do not travel well, which does not bode well for the fact the return fixtures are all scheduled for 2026.
Granted, Newcastle are away at Old Trafford later this week, which gets one of those games out of the way. But it would seem that, on paper at least, Newcastle have already spent their St. James’ Park credit for five of the most competitive games of the season.
Of the games already played, Newcastle drew with Chelsea and Tottenham, beat Man City, and lost to Liverpool and Arsenal. That’s a return of five points from five games, and we should technically expect even less to come from the away fixtures.
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AGREE OR DISAGREE: Eddie Howe hasn’t had it easy this season, but he should be doing much better
Can Newcastle end away day curse?
For one reason or another, Newcastle do not perform well when playing away from home. It’s a common theme for a lot of teams, to be fair, but the Magpies in particular really are struggling in that department this season.
Perhaps it’s a mentality issue among the Newcastle players. It’s similar to how the Magpies are not able to hold onto a lead this season; a problem which has cost them 13 points already in the league alone.
If they don’t sort these various issues out quickly, Newcastle will fall below their target this season.
Obviously, a lot of teams fear those away days at the Big Six clubs. But, Newcastle don’t want to be like other clubs; they want to be in the Big Six. Picking up good results on their travels at venues like The Etihad and Stamford Bridge will go a long way towards closing that gap.
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