Newcastle enter season-defining period – A huge 26 days for Howe

Newcastle United are about to enter another HUGE defining run of fixtures that will set the tone for the rest of the season and have the chance to be as impactful as any period in the club’s modern history.

Returning to winning ways last weekend was massive and reset the blip of Bournemouth almost immediately, but it was far from a perfect performance, and with some aspects still to improve, February promises to be another defining period in United’s season.

With it looking highly likely the squad won’t be strengthened in the January window, the current crop will have to go again, meaning it’s crucial that we maintain some form during a pressure period of the season too.

Fulham (H)

Last weekend’s return to winning ways against Southampton banished the poor result and performance against Bournemouth to the ether. The team’s big players stood up against the Saints, ensured the victory at a decent rate of knots, and allowed the manager to rest a few of the class lads.

The Bournemouth game was a major shock to the system for just how comprehensively we were dispatched after winning nine games on the spin, and some in the fanbase (and I include myself in this) were unhappy with the fatigue excuse used by Eddie Howe following the game when Bournemouth’s run of games and injuries was/is much more acute than United’s.

Fulham at SJP on Saturday will be a tricky tie but it is also an excellent opportunity to bring the confidence back to the crowd before the much bigger midweek game. Fulham will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing defeat to Man Utd last weekend and will be an opposition in a similar vein to Bournemouth – dangerous on the counter, with some excellent pressing players, and a good manager running the show.

Arsenal (H) – Carabao Cup Semi-Final

Two seasons ago, when United was getting ready to play in its first cup final for a quarter of a century, form dramatically dipped, and we entered the field in some of the worst form we’d seen that season. It’s essential that this doesn’t happen again – another reason the return to a semblance of form was vital this past weekend.

But, of course, United have to get there first. Leading two nil from the first leg United are in pole position to get to a second cup final in three seasons. Arsenal, despite their weirdo fanbase, are an excellent team, and an early goal for them in this fixture would change the complexion of the tie instantly.

The night will be about mentality, as well as footballing ability, which is why Sandro Tonali will be a vital cog. Already a Scudetto winner, he knows how to get over the line in huge games, with huge prizes on the line – indeed much of the squad still have the semi-final experience from two seasons ago to call on, but the calibre of opposition wasn’t what will be on Wednesday 5 February.

Throw in their perceived (and batshit insane) conspiracy about Michael Oliver and him being a Newcastle supporter and they will be up for it on the night.

Birmingham (A) – FA Cup 4^th Round

It’s always awkward travelling away to lower league opposition in a cup competition but United should have enough to get past Birmingham City – and they will have to find a way with the tie having to be settled on the night.

Flying high at the top of League One, two points clear, with two games in hand and sweetheart American owners in tow, the Blues will probably go strong selection wise on the night and look for a huge giant killing.

United’s tone could be set by the semi-final three night prior but look for Eddie to go as strong as possible and for United to continue its cup odyssey well into 2025.

Manchester City (A)

It’s a shame United couldn’t play them during their really poor run of form but anyone who watched their game against Chelsea could see there are still some vulnerabilities defensively.

Unfortunately, Eastlands is another ground at which United have a stinking record, but the Old Trafford league record has been set right this season so why can’t it happen here?

With Man City being another top four rival this year it’s important that the game isn’t a walkover, as it has been on many occasions there. This feels like another game which will be massively about mentality due to our record there. But when you have a striker in the form Isak is in you always have a chance.

Nottingham Forest (H)

A real UCL Qualifier Six pointer? Forest has, for many, been the story of the season so far but took a real shlacking in their last fixture against Bournemouth. They also have two tough looking fixtures against Brighton and Fulham in the league before they play us at SJP on the 23 February.

They will very much be looking to set the record straight after that defeat and with the Brighton game being the early kick-off this weekend, they will have the opportunity to reopen a six-point gap between themselves and the chasing pack.

Has their bubble burst? Only time will tell but United should be looking to win every game at home and Forest will be no different. It would also be great to banish the memories of Boxing Day two seasons ago when Chris Wood became prime Messi for 90 minutes. Football is weird sometimes.

Liverpool (A)

United’s final game in February is at Anfield, another ground where our record is appalling. Don’t look for anything to fall our way and it’ll be interesting to see who the ref and VAR are on the night after three extra minutes and Isak slither thin offsides.

Arne Slot has seemingly turned Liverpool into a well-oiled winning machine, but cracks are there, and luck and quality are certainly playing a part in their recent wins – Nunez should’ve seen red against Brentford before he popped up with two late winners.

If United lost every game in this run (in the league) and won here, I’d be happy. But it will be a hugely tough game. But also imagine where we would be if we have won all the fixtures up to and including this one!