Predicting Newcastle United's Final Premier League Points Tally
By Robbie Walls
To everyone's relief, Premier League football is almost on its way back – no more club Twitter accounts 'live' tweeting old games, none of it. Real, actual football.
Well, when we say 'everyone's' relief, Newcastle may not be looking forward to this as much as some. The club's middling form this season has been a source of misery for the Magpies' faithful, with their FA Cup run and prospect of a potential takeover the only sources of optimism - even if the deal now hangs in the balance.
With Steve Bruce's side relatively comfortable in the table - despite the less than thrilling football they've been playing - the end to the season may be a chance to revive some positivity around St James' Park.
With this in mind, let's take an educated guess at how their points tally could end up at the end of the season...
Matchday 30 - Sheffield United (Home)
Steve Bruce and co may have fancied this game before the season began, but they will no doubt be dreading the arrival of the Blades in their first game back. Chris Wilder's men have been so impressive so far this season and will be hoping to continue their push for what would be a miraculous European qualification.
As for Newcastle, the current side is truly bereft of attacking quality, with 'star' signing Joelinton only registering one league goal thus far in his first season at the club - just a reminder he cost £40m.
While there won't be many goals in this one, any that do fall will surely be in the home side's net.
Verdict: Loss
Points Tally: 35
Matchday 31 - Aston Villa (Home)
Another home game, but perhaps more of a chance for victory for the host side.
Aston Villa have endured a turbulent season back in the top flight, reaching the Carabao Cup final but also finding themselves in the relegation zone. Dean Smith's side will be scrapping for their lives when the season resumes, and will perhaps have more to play for than their opponents.
That being said, the Villans have struggled in front of goal this season and have shipped their fair share at the back. It would be no surprise to see a Newcastle victory, if they can remain solid and nick a goal.
Verdict: Win
Points Tally: 38
Matchday 32 - Bournemouth (Away)
The Magpies could find themselves having a big part to play in the relegation scrap as they face 18th-placed Bournemouth just a week after playing Villa.
The away side recorded a 2-1 win in the reverse fixture and could pose a threat to a side who have been way short of their usual top-flight form.
The Cherries will likely play the better football and have the firepower to break down any defence, even if they've been found wanting this season. Expect a tight affair.
Verdict: Draw
Points Tally: 39
Matchday 33 - West Ham (Home)
Another side threatened with relegation arrive at St James' Park hoping to drag themselves away from the drop zone.
Despite expensive recruitment - such as the signing of French striker Sebastian Haller - the Hammers have been woeful this season and face the very real possibility of Championship football next season.
Newcastle took the spoils in a 3-2 victory back in November - relatively highscoring for them - and will be hoping to do the same against a side who had lost three of their last five games before the league's suspension.
In truth, anything could happen in this game, but a draw seems pretty likely.
Verdict: Draw
Points Tally: 40
Matchday 34 - Manchester City (Away)
After a relatively tepid run of fixtures to kick of the restart...it's time for Manchester City.
It's not been Pep Guardiola's finest league campaign ever, but few sides could have kept pace with the rampant Liverpool side - and let's face it, they still have Kevin De Bruyne.
That being said, Newcastle have often put in impressive performances against the Citizens, and earned a good 2-2 draw earlier in the season.
Perhaps with Champions League distractions the champions will be off the pace. Then again, the Champions League isn't going to kick off until after the Premier League season finishes, so...maybe not.
Verdict: Loss
Points Tally: 40
Matchday 35 - Watford (Away)
Newcastle are on the road again on matchday 35, and are once again pitted against a side fighting for their Premier League future.
Despite the great work Nigel Pearson has done this season, the Hornets are still not safe by any means – and they'll be fighting for their lives in the last month.
The sides drew in their previous fixture to give Watford their first point of the season. A draw, in truth, seems likely again this time around.
Verdict: Draw
Points Tally: 41
Matchday 36 - Tottenham (Home)
The final nine fixtures of the season are an opportunity for José Mourinho and Tottenham to mount a push for Champions League qualification and a way to try and conjure up some positivity in what has been a pretty dreadful season.
Exits in the FA Cup and Champions League, combined with their lowly league position - only six points ahead of the Magpies, remarkably - have left Mourinho under pressure to put some performances together.
While they have been in poor form, you'd expect Spurs could run riot at St James' Park - especially with the likes of Harry Kane now fit.
Could be a lot of goals in this one.
Verdict: Loss
Points Tally: 41
Matchday 37 -Brighton (Away)
As the season reaches its penultimate game, Brighton could well be another team dragged into a relegation dogfight.
For all Graham Potter's attacking intent, his side have failed to find the net with much regularity this season, with new signing Neal Maupay not able to produce the goods consistently.
With Newcastle perhaps having nothing to play for by this point, thoughts may be on next season rather than the next game. However, that may not be the case for some players – possibly with a new ownership group to impress.
Like many games under Steve Bruce, this game has draw written all over it.
Verdict: Draw
Points Tally: 42
Matchday 38 - Liverpool (Home)
Once they've finished off the season, Newcastle will be able to relax and look ahead to a fresh start - they just have to take on league leaders Liverpool first...
The Reds - as we are all aware - have been scintillating this season and will no doubt have secured the title well before this game takes place. While Jurgen Klopp will not allow a drop off in intensity, perhaps this last game may see a raft of changes as the curtain comes down on their remarkable season.
For that reason, Newcastle may be able to spoil the party and try to lift the fading spirits of their fans.
Let's hope for a Premier League classic in this one.
Verdict: Win
Points Tally: 45