It’s was a mixed weekend of Premier League results for Newcastle United and our European rivals, ending with our brilliant comeback victory at Wolves thanks to stunning strikes from Fabian Schar and Harvey Barnes.
Before our win, we saw Spurs lose at home to Arsenal – a result that leaves them six points behind us – along with a shock 1-0 defeat for Liverpool, draws for Brighton and West Ham and wins for Aston Villa, Man Utd and Chelsea.
According to the statisticians and early Premier League predictions, the top three is highly likely to include Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool, with a five-club battle for fourth expected between ourselves, Spurs, Chelsea, Man Utd and Aston Villa.
It’ll be tough and there’s a feeling our performances must improve after sometimes relying on missed chances at one end and moments of quality at the other to take 10 points from a possible 12 so far. However, the four clubs we’re competing with for that fourth spot all have European football to contend with.
Aston Villa have their first test of balancing that tricky task this week after travelling to Young Boys last night, Man Utd play in the Europa League tonight with tough trips to Porto and Fenerbahce on the horizon, while Spurs and Chelsea will soon have Thursday-night fixtures to contend with in the Europa and Europa Conference League.
Last season, we saw a fun but slightly short-lived Champions League campaign lead to additional injuries and fatigue, also lessening the time available to prepare for our Premier League match just a few days after.
That is something we won’t have to contend with this season and an early advantage in our favour. With hope that injuries and fatigue won’t be a constant theme this term, Sandro Tonali back and big misses from last season such as Pope, Joelinton, Barnes and Willock all fit again, let’s hope we can attack our push towards the top four and capitalise on the lengthy new European format Spurs, Man Utd, Aston Villa and…
Author : Olly Hawkins
Publish date : 2024-09-18 09:49:29
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.The post Newcastle facing five-club battle this season – Advantage Eddie Howe? first appeared on Soccer News.
Author : soccernews
Publish date : 2024-09-18 09:53:39
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.