Newcastle start their first game against Leicester City in a Christmas schedule that sees us play 7 games in a short 22 days.
The outcome of those games will decide where we are placed in January in what should be a vital transfer window for us.
Rafa will then try to bring in some good players to strengthen the squad for the second half of the season.
But it could turn out to be another relegation fight again this season – something fans were hoping they would be spared.
But the good news in that if we can survive this season there should be some big money available to Rafa in the summer.
And that should be the case whoever is the owner at that time – because of the massive Premier League TV rights deal.
That’s what we are hoping for in any case.
Rafa has talked about the upcoming difficult schedule, and as usual, he is calm, and that demeanor should transfer to his players in the games.
Rafa Benitez – tough schedule
This is what the manager has said:
“Every game is important for us. I cannot see more than the next game – the next game will be massive and then the next game will be massive,”
“If we can get 20 points before January fine. If not we have to get more points in the second half of the league.”
“The fans can help the team, which hopefully they will do and we can get three points in the next match.”
20 points before January 1st comes with a trip to Stoke City – means we need 5 points in six games – something you would expect us to be able to achieve.
But you never know.
Here’s the upcoming fixture list where we have to play Arsenal away and Manchester City at home.
Date Fixture KO time
Sat 9 Dec Newcastle vs Leicester 17:30
Wed 13 Dec Newcastle vs Everton 19:45
Sat 16 Dec Arsenal vs Newcastle 15:00
Sat 23 Dec West Ham vs Newcastle 15:00
Wed 27 Dec Newcastle vs Man City 19:45
Sat 30 Dec Newcastle vs Brighton 15:00
Mon 1 Jan Stoke vs Newcastle 15:00
Wins are what we need to drag ourselves away from the relegation zone.
A win on Saturday would be terrific.
Comments welcome.
6 comments so far
JackButler
Dec 7, 2017 at 9:03 AM
Comment #1We need to dig in and grind out a result. We’ve shipped far too many goals lately and need to get back to the solid defensive line we had a few months ago, especially as we are struggling to score with our lack of a decent striker
Jib
Dec 7, 2017 at 9:05 AM
Comment #2Peter Wythe has been at a couple of clubs
going through a takeover
He maintains no matter how much it is denied
it does affect the players performance
Blofal
Dec 7, 2017 at 9:07 AM
Comment #3Lots of drawn games coming right up! I hope.
Blofal
Dec 7, 2017 at 9:09 AM
Comment #4Jib as a player knowing that a billionaire consortium is negotiating to buy the club and bring in better players – and add to that the general commentary that our players aren’t good enough for this league – it’s no wonder the players are lacking confidence. No matter how much they get paid they are just kids after all.
But they are trying. And that’s all we can ask.
Blofal
Dec 7, 2017 at 9:11 AM
Comment #5What I would like though is our players to stand up and say
“fu*k you I’m not good enough am I? Hold my beer.”
That would be swell.
JackButler
Dec 7, 2017 at 9:14 AM
Comment #6Players will react one of two ways to the take over, they will either be excited at being a part of the possible future of the club, or, they will know that’s its only a matter of time before the pass through the exit door. Either way I hope the clown that run this circus is gone sooner rather than later