Newcastle United will be looking to finish the Championship season strongly to secure promotion back to the top flight.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
Following the international break, Newcastle have eight fixtures standing between them and promotion back to the Premier League.
The Magpies are currently top of the Championship, one point clear of Brighton, and perhaps more importantly, seven clear of third place Huddersfield. But with the Terriers boasting a game in hand, Rafa Benitez will know that his men cannot let their guard down if they want to secure a top two spot.
With that in mind, here is a look at their remaining eight fixtures, as well as our predictions for how they will get on…
Newcastle 2-0 Wigan Athletic
Wigan have lost their last two without scoring a goal and are starting to be cut adrift at the bottom of the table. While Newcastle have not always got it right at home, they should comfortably see off the Latics.
Newcastle 1-1 Burton Albion
As mentioned, Newcastle’s record at home is certainly not flawless – no team in the top 10 has lost more in front of their own fans – and Burton can be a tough side to break down on their day. A draw would not be a terrible result against a team that have lost one of their last seven.
Fernando Forestieri of Sheffield Wednesday in action with Jamaal Lascelles of Newcastle United
Sheffield Wednesday 1-2 Newcastle
Newcastle often manage to raise their games for the trips to the other promotion chasers, and it would be no surprise to see them beat the Owls at Hillsborough. Wednesday boast a dangerous attack, so it could be a hard fought victory.
Newcastle 1-1 Leeds
Leeds are high on confidence currently, having beaten Brighton before the break. Things could have changed drastically by the time they face Newcastle, but having been beaten in the previous meeting, Garry Monk’s men will have plenty of motivation to try and take a share of the points.
Newcastle United’s Dwight Gayle celebrates scoring
Ipswich 0-2 Newcastle
Ipswich have currently drawn six of their last seven, and may not be out of the woods by this stage if their form continues. Newcastle should be able to put more pressure on them, while making their own situation much more comfortable.
Newcastle 1-0 Preston North End
Beating Preston North End will not be easy, but Simon Grayson’s men’s play-off charge will suffer a blow if the game goes how we expect with the Magpies sneaking a narrow victory. By this stage, you would be surprised if promotion was not guaranteed.
Newcastle United’ s Jonjo Shelvey in action with Preston’ s Callum Robinson
Cardiff 1-3 Newcastle
Cardiff’s season looks set to finish in mid-table, so title-chasing Newcastle will be looking to take advantage and secure a comfortable win.
Newcastle 2-0 Barnsley
Like last year, the season should end at St James’ Park with a party atmosphere, except this time, there should be plenty of celebration to go along with it as with this season-ending form, it is difficult to imagine Jamaal Lascelles not lifting the trophy.
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