How the FA Cup could have a major say in the relegation run in of Newcastle United, Aston Villa & more
It’s a question that’s sparked debate aplenty among the Magpies faithful online.
Being outside the Premier League is like a footballing wilderness – Newcastle know this too well under Mike Ashley. But would it really be so hard to stomach, if we got what we crave so much – a United captain lifting some meaningful silverware for the first time in 51 years, or domestic for 65?
The debate will no doubt rumble on, even after Steve Bruce’s men were handed perhaps the toughest draw possible in the last eight, albeit at home against the head and shoulders best side left in the competition, Manchester City. That game will take place at St James’s Park on the weekend of March 21.
Competition progress has fans dreaming, but what impact has the FA Cup run had on United – who sit five points above the bottom three – and possible involvement in a relegation fight? And what impact has it had on the other teams fighting for their lives in the top flight?
Here’s a look at the direct, and indirect impact, a possible fixture pile-up will have on every team in the bottom seven of the Premier League – Norwich City, Aston Villa, AFC Bournemouth, Watford, West Ham United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle United.
The debate will no doubt rumble on, even after Steve Bruce’s men were handed perhaps the toughest draw possible in the last eight, albeit at home against the head and shoulders best side left in the competition, Manchester City. That game will take place at St James’s Park on the weekend of March 21.
5. West Ham United - 16th - 27 points
The FA Cup has no impact on West Ham at all, with the Hammers out of the competition and their fixtures with Wolves and Burnley unaffected. Photo: IAN KINGTON
6. Brighton & Hove Albion - 15th - 28 points
They're out the cup, but March 21 opponents Leicester City are not. They host Chelsea in the competition, meaning the visit of Graham Potter's men will have to wait. Photo: GLYN KIRK
7. Newcastle United - 14th - 32 points
Newcastle United have a smaller margin between themselves and the bottom three than last week, but still sit five points above the dropzone, as things stand. Whether they progress past Manchester City in round six or not they face TWO rearrangements in their final ten Premier League games. Relegation contenders Aston Villa's visit to SJP on March 21 will have to be rescheduled, as it clashes with the last eight tie, while the trip to Man City falls on the weekend of the semi-finals of the competition, meaning one will definitely be out of action due to progress. Photo: Stu Forster