Newcastle face Chelsea on Saturday at Stamford Bridge.
Rafa Benitez’s side have won just one game of their last nine Premier League outings, despite starting the season well with three wins in their opening five league games against West Ham United, Swansea City and Stoke City.
Now, Benitez’s side travel to west London to face one of his many former sides as they look to build on their 2-2 draw away at West Brom that saw them come from 2-0 down to rescue a point.
However, former goalkeeper Given believes the Toon will be staring relegation in the face if they continue to struggle, and urged Amanda Staveley’s PCP Capital Partners to complete a takeover of Mike Ashley’s club before January.
“I would say I’m worried,” Given said. “They’ve only won one game in two months. That’s relegation material. I don’t know if the takeover news is sidetracking the form, but hopefully Rafa will get money in January.
“The fans aren’t getting much. It’s a real concern, at the minute they’re really struggling. My concern is, it is December – is the takeover for January? Has Benitez got targets that he thinks he can get with Ashley, or targets if a takeover happens?
“They should be at the top of division, challenging for Champions League football. It’s not going to happen overnight, but the size of the club suggests they should be up there.”
Newcastle currently sit in 12th position after Tuesday night’s draw against the Baggies and five points above the relegation zone, but the odds are stacked firmly against them as they face Premier League champions Chelsea.
But the Magpies will take positives from the fact that they have earned four wins against Chelsea in their last nine outings, becoming somewhat of a bogey team against the Blues and Benitez will be hoping to make it five out of 10.
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