Two Things That Should Happen For Newcastle United To Win The League
Newcastle’s return to the Premier League was confirmed on Monday evening after a convincing 4-1 win over Preston at St James’ Park, but can they still catch Brighton and claim the Championship title?
Following the pivotal injury to Ciaran Clark, Newcastle had a wobble, gaining only 8 points from 6 games at a time when Brighton took 15 and essentially took control of the league. Clark returned to the side on Monday for the thumping win and promotion celebrations and may yet play a part in an unlikely title triumph.
Despite Newcastle’s win and Brighton’s defeat at a resurgent Norwich City, the gap at the top is still 4 points with just 2 games to go. So Newcastle winning the league is now unlikely, but possible. But what needs to happen for the Toon to go up as Champions? Here we pick out two events needed for a turnaround:
Newcastle Need To Attack
The Toon need a 4-point turnaround, as the fact that their goal difference is superior means that finishing on level points with Brighton will do. 2 Brighton defeats at this stage is not really expected, but a draw and a defeat is possible. Newcastle are expected to finish 2nd and are going up anyway, so it is enough of the careful and measured approach now; Newcastle need to go attack at Cardiff.
Shocking Cardiff City early in the game may bring the early goal needed to put the opposition under pressure. At this stage, the fans would forgive some perceived naivety at the back, so long as the cavalier approach is bringing goals. Newcastle can’t afford to draw. So going hell for leather on Friday night is a minimum requirement.
Should things go their way over the weekend, the same attacking approach will be expected on the final day against Barnsley in a game, where, regardless of the potential prize, the fans will want to be entertained as they say goodbye to the Championship.
Brighton Need To Feel The Pressure
If you’d offered Brighton second place back in August, they would have taken it. However, being this close to the title means they would love to go up as champions and they will try to knuckle down and see it out. They could have been confirmed as champions least week but for a slightly disappointing display at Carrow Road ended in defeat to Norwich.
Pressure gets to everyone, so Bristol City going to the Amex on Saturday and grabbing a draw is not beyond the realms of possibility. An away game at Aston Villa to finish the season won’t be the easiest fixture for them either. So if Brighton wobble, the Toon still have a chance to nip in and steal the league.