Newcastle’s main man Rafael Benítez is quickly learning that the championship can be a brutally harsh place.
Many tipped Newcastle to go through the season unbeaten but that particular prediction came to abrupt end on the very opening game of the season after losing 1-0 away at Fulham.
Things went from bad to worse in Newcastle’s second game asnthey lost again, this time to an unfancied Huddersfield Town side who have since gone on to shine.
Newcastle’s baptism into the Championship was a tough one but things have since dramatically improved after their shaky start to the season.
Currently sat third in the table with three defeats from 8 matches, Newcastle (and Benitez in particular) have learnt that the division is not just a case of just turn up and the three points are guaranteed.
Although from their goal and defensive record you could be forgiven for thinking it will still be a stroll in the park.
Finding the back of the net has been no problem for the magpies this season. Big wins over Reading (4-1) and the thrashing of QPR 6-0 has left Newcastle with the joint second highest amount of goals scored so far this season (16, Barnsley have scored 19) and having only conceded six goals this campaign, Newcastle easily possess the best goal difference stat in the league.
All of this has kept Newcastle in the frame and only four points behind early pace setters Huddersfield.
Things are looking good for Newcastle at the moment now they have had time to settle in to their second spell in the division, but they are about to face their toughest tests yet.
Saturday see’s the most eagerly anticipated match up of the season as Newcastle head to Aston Villa in what was a Premier League tie last time out.
Things have not gone to plan for Roberto Di Matteo’s side since relegation, after five draws and just one-win see’s the Villains committing crimes of their own sat in 18th having only found the net 8 times.
Newcastle will undoubtable be favourites (despite it being away from home) and should get past Villa without too many issues, However, in the Championship you never know.
After Villa, Norwich are next team to face a confident Newcastle in their second ‘all Premier League’ fixture of the week, and this (on paper) will be the main test.
Norwich have gone under the radar this season and find themselves quietly sat in second two points ahead of the Magpies.
Just the one defeat this season has given Alex Neil’s Canaries a real belief that they will bounce back at the first attempt and it is most likely that the Magpies and Canaries will take flight back to the Premier League.
The outcome of these two matches will go a long way to determine whether Newcastle are the real deal and have the muscle to outweigh their opponents and secure passage back to the promised land.
Few doubt that Newcastle will more than likely gain promotion but surely winning the title is the only viable goal.
On their day Newcastle are unstoppable in the league. Rafa just needs to ensure that day happens against Aston Villa and Norwich, then it could be plain sailing all the way to the top flight.
You can make your own football team with your lineup to win real cash by competing in the league matches. Sportito – the best place to play daily fantasy sports, gives you the opportunity to play, have fun and win real money daily, everywhere and whenever you want. You can draft teams, without any salary cap restrictions, with your favourite players for the all the top football leagues like English Premier League, Champions League, La Liga and many more. You can compete in any contest and challenge the other players of your friends to win huge cash prizes.
After the contest, you can withdraw your winnings immediately, without waiting the whole season finish. And the contests on Sportito last one day or one week, giving the chance to win prizes every day, every week. Sign up is totally free and easy. Register today and start drafting on Sportito to win money!