Newcastle United's season resumes after the international break with Matthias Jaissle's side facing a defining five-match run to Christmas. With 15 points available, few expect the Magpies to beat the likes of Arsenal or Brighton, but the head coach needs his team to step up.
Arsenal at Home Kicks Off the Run
The first test comes on November 21 at St James' Park (5.30pm) against the champions, with the potential return of Bruno Guimaraes adding to the occasion. Arsenal have shown they are beatable on an off day, as Brighton and Fleetwood demonstrated, and a sell-out crowd could help create a Liverpool-style atmosphere.
A 1-0 win is predicted if Newcastle players commit to the task, with Arsenal no strangers to being ruffled on Tyneside.
Brighton and Man United Tests
On November 29, Newcastle travel to the Amex Stadium to face a Brighton side flying high and pushing Arsenal in the title race. A point would feel like gold dust, but the prediction is a long trip for United, with Fabian Hurzeler's side emerging as victors.
Man United visit St James' Park on December 2 (8.15pm), a fixture Newcastle won last season thanks to William Osula's late strike. Michael Carrick's side have been wobbling, but Mauricio Pochettino will be in charge by then, working with a team described as oozing a bad attitude. The call is a stalemate, with a point accepted.
Derby Day and Ipswich Clash
The Wear-Tyne derby on December 6 (2pm) sees Sunderland arrive, potentially with a new manager after a gruelling schedule including Liverpool away and AC Milan in Europe. Newcastle were awful in both derbies last season, but this is seen as the time to finally win one, with Harvey Barnes, William Osula and Anthony Elanga capable of delivering an early Christmas present.
The run concludes at Portman Road on December 12 (3pm) against Ipswich Town, a fixture similar to recent disappointments against Coventry and Leeds. Ipswich were thrashed 4-0 last time in the Premier League, but this will be tougher. A valuable win is predicted, making it 10 points from a possible 15 for Jaissle's side ahead of Christmas.
