How Many Points Can Newcastle Expect From their First 6 Games?
It is important to get off to a good start and it is said that the first 6 games will help shape how your season will go. Last season Newcastle opened with 3 wins – being victorious against Blackburn, Fulham and Sunderland, and 3 draws – against Arsenal, Aston Villa and QPR.
In fact these first six games were a sign of what was the come for the St James’ Park faithful and Newcastle didn’t lose a game until mid-November. The Toon only went on to lose 11 games in the league, a feat which has rightly earned themselves a chance to qualify for the forthcoming Europa League competition.
But now with the new season so close here is a look at the first 6 games this season and realistic aims for each game.
Tottenham Hotspur (h): The first game of the season pits Newcastle against Andre Villas-Boas’ Tottenham side, a side who will be invigorated after having a good pre-season in the US.
And with a new manager at the helm hoping to show the whole footballing world that despite missing out on Champions League football, that they will reach the European elite next season. It will be a very hard first game to start us off and if last year’s 2-2 draw was anything to go by it will be much more of the same. I predict a DRAW.
Chelsea (a): The first away game of the season is at Stamford Bridge. The place where that goal happened. Cisse’s bender which had the footballing world in shock and awe at just how great it was. Newcastle ran out 2-0 winners on a comfortable night for the Toon.
However, with the newly crowned Champions League winners looking to build serious title ambitions for the new season, it could be a whole different game. Also with Di Matteo now permanent manager, and with his new signings, it will be anything but comfortable. Newcastle will be lucky to come away with a point. I predict a LOSS.
Aston Villa (h): The second game at St James’ Park sees the arrival of Aston Villa. A 2-1 win was enough to see off the Villains. But that was a side with Alex McLeish at the helm and looking to not have a hope in hell. Now with Paul Lambert installed as manager it will be realistic for them to finish in the upper mid-table region they are accustomed to. However I think Newcastle will just be too strong so I predict this could be Newcastle’s first WIN of the season.
Everton (a): A trip to Everton is game number 4 this year as opposed to being the final day fixture last season. It could be a blessing in disguise following Everton’s 3-1 win and it will be another hard fought game for the Toon army. If you ever go to Everton and come away with anything you deserve it and I think it will depend on which Everton show up on the night and how their start to the season has gone. I predict another DRAW.
Norwich (h): The canaries are the next team in the way of the Toon army. Last time out at St James’ Park, a 1-0 win was enough. Norwich are going into the season without their managerial mastermind who guided them to the top flight in Paul Lambert, and instead a return to the SJP fortress for Chris Hughton.
Potentially this could be the first time the Newcastle strike force will get a chance to fill their boots and grab a few goals. I predict a WIN and potentially a big one.
Reading (a): The 6th game of the season is a trip to newly promoted Reading. Obviously this fixture didn’t happen last season, but they had a good end to last season coming from near enough no where to winning the league. They have been in the Premier League before and sprung a few surprises along the way. However if Newcastle stop Reading from playing their game then a good away day win is on the cards. I predict a WIN.
If my predictions come to fruition, then Newcastle are looking at 11 points from a possible 18, one point shy of the first six games last season. However, there is never any easy games in the Premier League and nothing is written in stone. But I honestly feel 10 points is a minimum Newcastle fans should be expecting from the first six games of the season. And if they reach 10 points then it could be another season to remember for the Toon Army.
What do you think? Is 11 points realistic?
The Spectator's View 
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