Despite the supermarkets having had their Christmas decorations and stock out for what seems like months, it still feels way to early to start talking about the festive period. But, maybe more than ever this season, that notoriously tough period will be crucial for Toon’s season – and the short to mid-term future of the club. Here we assess what the fat man – the other one, the one with a red suit who does put his hand in his pockets occasionally, may have in store for us.
The Current State of Play
The situation now looks a lot better than it did just a few weeks ago. It’s not looking brilliant, but there has been a definite improvement, and most important at all, we have been picking up points. That said, so have those teams around us, those the fans have earmarked as “even worse than us.” It has been a strange season, with about six sides all competing to be the worst Premiership team for a while, and everyone of those breathing a sigh of relief that there are so many others in the same boat. That said, relying on three other teams being worse than us is hardly a long term strategy. Depending who you listen to and what you believe, Benitez will be given funds in January. We just need to be in a position where those are to push us up the table, as opposed to the transfer equivalent of manning the lifeboats. That makes the Christmas period even more crucial.
Christmas Crackers?
I’m counting the Christmas period in terms of the fixture list, as the five game run that starts with the trip to Huddersfield, and ends with Manchester United’s visit to St James’.
Huddersfield, Away
David Wagner achieved the impossible last year, but now it looks like the trapdoor beckons. Last season, despite an alarming drop away in form over the last months of the campaign, they survived due to the points they had gleaned in the first dozen or so games. Scoring goals is their problem, and last season’s resolute defence is not so watertight this time around. Need a point minimum, really should be looking for all three.
Fulham, Home
Just as there are supposedly no easy games in international football, the same has been said for the EPL, particularly when it comes to Newcastle. If there were however, this fixture would be it. Ranieri has his work cut out to save the west London club. Fulham’s problems are the opposite to ours, with too many new players brought in, the majority of whom were just not the right ones for a team that was always going to be up against it. Anything less than three points from this and we may as well all go home.
Liverpool, Away
Boxing Day at Anfield is a decent way to work off that turkey and festive hangover. The fixture has historically been one of the most entertaining on the calendar, with goals aplenty. Liverpool are of course fighting on two fronts. They may be second favourites for the Premier title, but are as far out as 7th favourites for the Champions League, perhaps an indication of where their priorities lay. If we can get on the bus with a point that would be a Christmas bonus not many will be expecting.
Watford, Away
Along with Bournemouth and Wolves, Watford have been the ones most punching above their weight. History suggests that the Hornets will get into a position of safety before allowing their form to drop dramatically heralding the departure of their manager in the summer. Even if that is the case, this match will be not a great deal easier than the one three days earlier. Watford press high up the field, have goals from all over the pitch and will see Newcastle as a game they should be winning. A draw would be a good result.
Manchester United, Home
Only a few weeks ago it was touch and go who would be managing Pogba and co. when they arrived at the Toon. Mourinho appears to have shooed off the vultures hovering, but let’s not be mistaken, this is not a Manchester United side we should be too concerned about. A game like this under the floodlights, is just the one to expose the weaknesses, vulnerabilities and insecurities of a club that not that long ago could rightly claim to be one of the best in world football. There will probably never be a better time to play them or take all three points from them.
Depending on how empty or full your glass is – and remember we are talking about Christmas, so we should all try and fill it a little more than usual – the points tally over those five games looks like it is spread between five and eleven. Anything more than seven and it would be deemed a successful period, anything less and it should be seen as an opportunity missed, and a sign of worrying times ahead.
