Newcastle United were resoundingly beaten at Manchester City on Saturday afternoon after suffering a 4-0 reverse to the reigning Premier League champions.
That defeat at the Etihad Stadium has dented the Magpies’ top-four hopes with Eddie Howe‘s side now three points behind fourth-placed City after 25 games. They will be aware, though, that fifth place could also secure Champions League football depending on the performances of English teams in Europe this season.
Newcastle are currently two points off fifth-placed Bournemouth – who won 3-1 at Southampton on Saturday afternoon. Below are the Magpies’ next five fixtures, as well as those of their top-flight rivals;
Newcastle 7th (41 points)
February 23 vs Nott’m Forest (H) at 2pm – Premier League
February 26 vs Liverpool (A) at 8.15pm – Premier League
March 2 vs Brighton (H) at 1.45pm – FA Cup R5
March 10 vs West Ham (A) at 8pm – Premier League
March 16 vs Liverpool (N) at 4.30pm – Carabao Cup Final
The verdict: Newcastle have a nightmare run of fixtures over the next few weeks. West Ham is probably the one ‘kind’ fixture before the Carabao Cup final, but it’s not an ideal situation for Howe’s side. Among the other top-four contenders, City probably have the second toughest run with upcoming games against Real Madrid, Liverpool and Tottenham. They could go out of Europe in midweek, though, which should help them focus on the league.
Chelsea – 6th (43 points)
February 22 vs Aston Villa (A) at 5.30pm – Premier League
February 25 vs Southampton (H) at 8.15pm – Premier League
March 9 vs Leicester City (H) at 2pm – Premier League
March 16 vs Arsenal (A) at 1.30pm – Premier League
April 2 vs Tottenham (H) at 7.45pm – Premier League
AFC Bournemouth – 5th (43 points)
February 22 vs Wolves (H) at 3pm – Premier League
February 25 vs Brighton (A) at 7.30pm – Premier League
March 1 vs Wolves (H) at 3pm – FA Cup R5
March 9 vs Tottenham (A) at 2pm – Premier League
March 15 vs Brentford (H) at 5.30pm – Premier League
Manchester City – 4th (44 points)
February 19 vs Real Madrid (A) at 8pm – Champions League
February 23 vs Liverpool (H) at 4.30pm – Premier League
February 26 vs Tottenham (A) at 7.30pm – Premier League
March 1 vs Plymouth Argyle (H) at 5.45pm – FA Cup R5
March 8 vs Nott’m Forest (A) at 12.30pm – Premier League
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View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-next-five-fixtures-31016180
