Newcastle United are expected to gain promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
Magpies boss Rafa Benitez spoke to the media during his pre-match press conference, and explained why it will be more difficult for his side to gain promotion than the teams in and around them in the table, who have more experience of playing Championship football, as quoted by the Chronicle.
Newcastle currently sit top of the table, with a one point lead over second placed Brighton & Hove Albion and, more importantly, a five point advantage over third placed Huddersfield Town.
Many fans and pundits had predicted the Tyneside outfit to walk away with the Championship title at the start of the season, after Benitez invested heavily in what was an already impressive squad of players.
But the Spaniard highlighted a potential disadvantage for his team, when speaking to reporters today, citing his side’s lack of experience of Championship football as a slight concern, as quoted by the Chronicle:
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
“It’s easier for a team who has been in the top six last season than a team that just came down.”
Benitez has managed to guide his side through a tricky spell in their Championship season, and they have won four and drawn two of their last six league outings.
Next up for Newcastle is a home game against another of last season’s relegated sides – Aston Villa, and a victory there along with another win against Bristol City next weekend will set them up perfectly for their potentially season-defining away games against Brighton and Huddersfield.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
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