Newcastle United’s Champions League qualification rivals Manchester City have been handed a gruelling schedule that could give the North East club a boost next month.
Heading into this weekend’s round of Premier League fixtures, City occupy the final spot for Champions League qualification. However, they are only ahead of the Magpies on goal difference.
Next month, Newcastle have the opportunity to create a gap between themselves and the Blues when they visit the Etihad Stadium in the top flight. The fixture could prove pivotal in the context of both teams’ seasons especially if there is a winner.
Fortunately for Eddie Howe, United have been handed an advantage because on either side of their game, City will play Real Madrid over two legs in the Champions League. On Wednesday, Pep Guardiola’s side scraped through to the knockout phase play-offs courtesy of a 3-1 victory against Club Brugge.
But to keep their chances of lifting the Champions League alive, they must beat Real over two legs to qualify for the round of 16. For City, this represents a major issue.
As has been evidenced throughout the campaign, City have struggled to cope with their ageing squad being stretched across multiple competitions. However, they won’t be in a position in midweek to rest their players and focus squarely on Newcastle because of the challenge against Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
But with European football not on the agenda for Newcastle this season, they will happily look to take advantage of this fixture nightmare for City and try to pick up a valuable three points in the race for the top four. Before that match on Saturday, February 15, the Magpies will have to focus on the here and now with Fulham to come at St James’ Park this weekend.
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