Newcastle have had a tough start to the season as well thought, with defeats to Spurs and Chelsea, an uninspiring display at Cardiff and a Carabao Cup defeat to Forest.
September is a key month already as we try sand get some success on the pitch to lift the gloom off it. More tough games follow and Rafa certainly has his work cut out.
Let’s have a look at how September pans out for Newcastle…
MANCHESTER CITY (A)
The toughest game of the season comes at the worst possible time for Newcastle, as we seek a way to get our season started. City have quality all over the field and will see pretty much all of the ball. Expect effectively a damage limitation display from United as we try to keep what little confidence we have intact for the fixtures ahead. Things aren’t helped by Aguero’s incredible scoring record against Newcastle at the Etihad.
Prediction – 3-0 Manchester City
Danger man – Sergio Aguero
ARSENAL (H)
Next up sees Unai Emery’s Arsenal travel up to St.James’ off the back of a difficult start themselves. They still look vulnerable defensively but still quality attacking players that could get through what is likely to be another rear-guard display from us. We could easily get something from the game but I fear our tough start may continue here, with the light at the end of the tunnel being some far easier fixtures ahead.
Prediction – 2-1 Arsenal
Danger man – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
CRYSTAL PALACE (A)
Palace have some good players and there is always the threat of Townsend coming back to haunt us. Zaha has to be kept quiet for us to get something but I think if we come to this game in the relegation zone, I fancy us to secure a big game. Rafa has an outstanding record against relegation rivals and prepares his sides well for the must win games. If we do lose to City and Arsenal, our first win of the season would most certainly be welcome here – however it happens.
Prediction – 2-1 Newcastle
Danger man – Wilfred Zaha
LEICESTER (H)
Our final fixture sees us host the Foxes, with Leicester on a good run under French boss Claude Puel. They have some excellent players and of course have the threat of Vardy going forward, as well the promising playmaker Maddison. They cut us open on the counter on their way to 3 points last season at St.James’ but we are far more resilient defensively these days. It will be a tough game but a point would be a good return for us to try and keep out of the relegation places with a ‘easier;’ run of games ahead in October.
Prediction – 1-1
Danger man – Jamie Vardy
September is all about keeping our heads above the relegation zone fi we can whilst we flush out some of the hardest games of the season. We need to get that first win of the season this month; would four points be a good return for us this month?
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