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Time to push on: Predicting Newcastle’s next three Championship matches

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez (REUTERS)
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Newcastle United face Derby County, Queens Park Rangers and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Newcastle United manager Rafa BenitezNewcastle United manager Rafa Benitez

Derby County v Newcastle United (September 10)

Newcastle United return to Championship action following the international break with a trip to Derby County in Saturday’s late kick-off.

The Magies have seemingly recovered from their relegation hangover by winning the last three league matches after surprisingly opening their Championship account with back-to-back defeats.

Derby, in contrast, have been going through the motions under Nigel Pearson this term and some supporters are starting to question the direction of the side after scoring just once in five league games to date.

The Rams are currently in transition, and for Newcastle there may not be a better time to head to the iPro Stadium and pick up all three points against a side who should also be vying for automatic promotion.

Derby County 0-1 Newcastle United

Newcastle's Matt Ritchie and Isaac Hayden with referee Simon HooperNewcastle’s Matt Ritchie and Isaac Hayden with referee Simon Hooper

Queens Park Rangers v Newcastle United (September 13)

Newcastle follow up their trip to Derby with another away game at Queens Park Rangers.

The Magpies’ first trip to West London didn’t go so well as they were stiffled and suffered an opening day defeat at Fulham, and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s QPR side will be looking for a similar outcome.

The Hoops have kept three clean sheets already this season, and their small Loftus Road pitch could help them nullify the threat of Newcastle’s wide players such as Matt Ritchie and Yoan Gouffran.

It may end up being a tight, scrappy affair and Benitez probably wouldn’t complain with a point.

Queens Park Rangers 0-0 Newcastle United

Queens Park Rangers manager Jimmy Floyd HasselbainkQueens Park Rangers manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink

Newcastle United v Wolverhampton Wanderers (September 17)

Newcastle end a busy week with a home game against an ever-improving Wolverhampton Wanderers now under the guidance of experienced coach Walter Zenga.

Wolves have picked up eight points from their opening five matches, and they showed in the 3-1 win at Birmingham City that they have the ability to mount a top six push this season.

Newcastle, however, will want to end the week on a high and with signs suggesting that Benitez’s side are now getting to grips with Championship football, a potential long unbeaten run could be on the cards.

Newcastle United 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

General view outside St James' ParkGeneral view outside St James’ Park