Next 6 fixtures and predictions after Milan draw

Newcastle United have had a rather stuttering start to their Premier League campaign.

Having opened up their account so promisingly with a thumping 5-1 victory over European-chasing Aston Villa, they followed that up with three losses on the bounce.

Though, their fixtures could hardly have been tougher as they faced treble winners Manchester City, title hopefuls Liverpool and high-flying Brighton & Hove Albion, who finished inside the top six last term alongside the Magpies.

Eddie Howe’s men bounced back with a much-needed win last weekend as they secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over a stubborn Brentford side.

Their battling goalless draw in midweek against AC Milan at the San Siro will provide further encouragement going into their next run of fixtures, so their fortunes may be beginning to change.

Football FanCast has previewed and predicted their next six encounters, which include four home fixtures.

Sheffield United v Newcastle

The north-east club travel down to Bramall Lane on Sunday to take on newly promoted Sheffield United.

The Blades will certainly be the underdogs heading into this fixture and recent meetings evince such a label. They’ve lost five out of their last six matches against the Magpies dating back to April 2007, however, in January 2021, they did claim a 1-0 home victory over their opposition thanks to a Billy Sharp penalty in the 73rd minute.

That win was their first of the season, moving their tally up to five points after 18 games. Unsurprisingly, they were relegated from the Premier League four months later.

Newcastle’s fortunes have taken a dramatic turn since the pair last met. Gone are the days of battling to survive as they now prepare to go toe-to-toe with Europe’s elite.

In fact, their European exploits are now well underway, so may even be victims of a classic European hangover.

As a result, the division’s new boys may just earn an unexpected draw here.

Prediction: Sheffield United 1-1 Newcastle

Newcastle v Man City

It seems Newcastle can’t get away from Manchester City at the moment, as their game on September 27th will be their second encounter with the treble winners in as many months. Eddie Howe’s men will have to face off against the champions in the third round of the League Cup, which, considering the games surrounding this fixture, might feel like a bit of a kick in the teeth.

That said, to win the competition, you’ve got to beat the best, or so they say.

The Citizens will be coming into the game in fine form as they currently sit atop the league table with five wins from five and a positive goal difference of 11. The Magpies, on the other hand, have struggled a bit so far this season, but with their win against Brentford, and an away point at the San Siro, they seem to be back on track, and considering how close their game against City was last month, they might feel like they can sneak a win here.

Eriling Haaland would be the clear danger man in the game, but since it’s a League Cup match, he could be rested and his place given to Julian Alvarez instead.

While the crowd is undoubtedly going to give the Toon a boost, we reckon the fixtures around this one will force Howe into fielding a weaker team, one that may ultimately cost them the game.

Prediction: Newcastle 1-3 Man City

Newcastle v Burnley

The Magpies play host to Premier League new boys Burnley in the final match of September.

The Clarets, managed by Vincent Kompany, aren’t expected to be in a relegation battle this term, which is very unusual for a side coming up from the second tier.

But those expectations are a testament to the fantastic job Kompany has done since taking over in 2022 following a two-year spell as Anderlecht’s manager.

Burnley’s patient build-up play, paired with the exciting young talent littered across the squad, makes for a team capable of finishing in mid-table, despite a poor start to life back in the top flight.

As such, they pose a real threat to the Magpies.

Prediction: Newcastle 1-1 Burnley

Newcastle v PSG

For several reasons, Newcastle’s meeting with Paris Saint-Germain on October 4th will be a historic affair. First, it’s the return of Champions League football to St James’ Park for the first time in over two decades – 21 years to be exact- and second, it’s the first-ever meeting between these two sides.

It promises to be a tricky affair for both sides, for as unbelievable as PSG’s talisman, Kylian Mbappe is, the side have struggled in France so far this season, winning just two of their opening five games, which has left them in fifth place at the moment.

That said, it hasn’t exactly been plain sailing for the Toon either. Eddie Howe’s men have also only picked up two wins out of a possible five and find themselves down in 12th place. However, the Magpies have had a tough run of fixtures to start the season.

Obviously, Mbappe is the main danger man that Newcastle have to be wary of, but the likes of Lee Kang-in, Ousmane Dembele and Randal Kolo Muani can also be a handful if they find form.

Overall, the first Champions League game in Newcastle for over two decades promises to be a big one, and with PSG’s faltering form and the ferocious support of the home fans, we reckon the Toon will come away with all three points from this one.

Prediction: Newcastle 3-2 PSG

West Ham v Newcastle

Newcastle’s first game of October takes place in the capital, as they face West Ham United at the London Stadium.

This fixture last season produced a shock 5-1 victory for the travelling Tynesiders, who continued their Champions League pursuit in fine fashion.

Callum Wilson and Joelinton both scored braces with Alexander Isak also on the scoresheet.

West Ham are off to a flying start this season, having won three of their opening four games and lie seven points ahead of the Magpies.

The game may be decided with one moment of brilliance and that could fall to the home team, who have the momentum and confidence.

Prediction: West Ham United 1-0 Newcastle

Newcastle v Crystal Palace

The hosts were hard done by in this fixture last term. A VAR blunder meant the Magpies were denied the three points as the game finished goalless.

The reverse fixture at Selhurst Park produced the same scoreline, with the away side missing a number of big chances.

The EFL Cup clash between the pair last November also resulted in a 0-0 scoreline, before the North East club secured a penalty shootout victory.

So if last season’s results are anything to go by, another stalemate could ensue.

But, with so much attacking talent on the pitch, that event seems unlikely, and if the South Londoners can exploit the home side in transition, much like Liverpool did on the weekend, they could surprise the Geordies, here.

Eberechi Eze is quickly becoming one of the neutral’s most favourite players to watch whilst Alexander Isak also holds a similar mantle, and there is good reason for that.

The pair are wonderful footballers, who are capable of creating chances out of nothing and winning games on their own, so if they perform to their capabilities, with the support of others, this affair could result in an enthralling, goal-flooded encounter.

Prediction: Newcastle United 3-2 Crystal Palace