Newcastle United return to Premier League action on Monday night when they face Coventry City, rounding off the gameweek six fixtures. Matthias Jaissle's new-look squad has eased many of the fears raised by a turbulent summer, and they now move into the second phase of the German's tenure after a whirlwind first few weeks.
How Newcastle perform between now and Christmas will go a long way in determining the success of their summer plans. With injuries clearing up, they head into their October schedule full of confidence.
October Schedule and Away Focus
United have three league games this month, plus a Carabao Cup fourth-round tie at Everton on October 29. Two more games follow in November before the next international break. With just one St James' Park match between now and Everton's visit on November 2, Jaissle's men will have to do the hard work away from home, starting at Coventry.
Coventry City (Away)
Jaissle gave the usual 'every team is capable to win against every opponent' reply when asked about Coventry in his pre-match press conference, but this is a match Newcastle must win if they have European hopes. Frank Lampard's side were buoyed by their win at Nottingham Forest, but they are yet to win at home this season and have not scored in their two Premier League defeats to Hull City and Brighton.
The key for Newcastle is not to let Coventry get their tails up, as they will be desperate to prove the doubters wrong. United allowed Leeds to dictate the game and were blown away — on Monday night they must impose themselves on the Sky Blues from the start, and the victory should follow.
Prediction: Coventry 0-2 Newcastle United
Aston Villa (Home) and Crystal Palace (Away)
Villa have not had a happy start to the season and their confidence could be fragile when they come to St James' Park. They face Fenerbahce at home in the Champions League three days before, so Newcastle will be hoping to exploit some tired limbs. Any side managed by Unai Emery is always dangerous, and they have pace in attack which can threaten United. However, Newcastle will get chances against a creaking backline who have already lost to Forest, Brighton and Arsenal and were held by Hull.
United need to make their home games count, and while this will be another close one, they should edge it.
Prediction: Newcastle United 2-1 Aston Villa
Newcastle then travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace, who will have only just returned from playing Besiktas in Turkey on the Thursday night. This isn't the Eagles' first foray into Europe, having won the Conference League last season, but while they are more experienced in handling the demands, their squad is not significantly stronger. It's not been a happy hunting ground for Newcastle in recent seasons, so a point may be a decent return, although there's no reason why United should not head north with all three.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-1 Newcastle United
Points Total
That gives a total of seven points from a possible nine according to our predictions. Now you've made your predictions, translate that into points to compare your total with everyone else.
