Out of form and out of sorts the Magpies face a real battle to retain their Premier League status – and with 13 games to go, we take a look at what lies in store for Steve Bruce & Co, as well as United’s rivals.
For this analysis we have used the SIX teams, not the seven or eight Bruce is quoted as saying are in the battle, who are most likely at risk.
1. Sheffield United - the favourites - 11 points - 1/66
Remaining fixtures: February 28, Liverpool (h); March 3, Aston Villa (h); March 6, Southampton (h); March 14, Leicester City (a); April 3, Leeds United (a); April 10, Arsenal (h); April 17, Wolverhampton Wanderers, April 24, Brighton and Hove Albion (h); May 1, Tottenham Hotspur (a); May 8, Crystal Palace (h); May 11, Everton (a); May 15, Newcastle United (a); May 23, Burnley (h). Photo: Pool
2. West Bromwich Albion - drinking in the last chance saloon - 14 points - 1/50
Remaining fixtures: February 27, Brighton (h); March 4, Everton (h); March 7, Newcastle United (h); March 13, Crystal Palace (a); April 3, Chelsea (h); April 10, Southampton (h); April 17, Leicester City (a); April 24, Aston Villa (h); May 1, Wolverhampton Wanderers (h); May 8, Arsenal (a); May 11, Liverpool (h); May 15, West Ham United (a); May 23, Leeds United (a). Photo: CLIVE BRUNSKILL