St James' Park is a different place these days. While Newcastle United have always been able to count on the loyal backing of more than 50,000 supporters on matchdays, many attended from a sense of duty rather than with a genuine excitement over what was the come.
Now the scene couldn't be more different. With Wor Flags back inside the ground and leading the way with some spectacular displays, the pre-match atmosphere is something to behold. Premier League stalwart Gary Neville even said it felt more upbeat than during the Kevin Keegan Entetainers era on Tyneside.
Eddie Howe's side have done the job on the pitch too, remaining unbeaten in the Premier League in 2022 and edging away from the relegation zone. But if they are to continue their current good form, they will have to do so away from the home comforts of St James' Park, due to a quirk of the fixture schedule. Here's why.
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Newcastle United's next four fixtures
March 10: Southampton A
March 13: Chelsea A
March 17: Everton A
April 3: Tottenham A
Why are Newcastle's next fixtures all away?
When the fixture list drops every June, the home and away fixtures are usually evenly balanced, with perhaps the odd run of two consecutive away games, and this season is no different. However, due to two games being postoned earlier in the season - the games at Southampton and Everton - and limited availability for rescheduling, the Premier League are using these weeks to catch up on the matches they need to fit.
This meant United facing away games either side of the already scheduled match with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. That would be tough enough, but their game with Crystal Palace at St James' Park on March 20 was postponed due to the Eagles' involvement in the FA Cup quarter-finals that weekend. That fixture has yet to be rearranged. This means that Newcastle's next game following the clash with Everton will be at Tottenham at the start of April.
Did Newcastle have a run of home games?
Yes, due to the Everton and Southampton games being postponed around Christmas, United played three consecutive Premier League matches at St James' Park around new year, losing 4-0 to Mancester City before drawing 1-1 with Manchester United and then Watford. The Magpies also had a home 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Cambridge United in that run.
When is Newcastle United's next home game?
Newcastle are next scheduled to play at St James' Park against Wolves on Friday, April 8 (8pm kick-off). That will be more than a month since their 2-1 win over Brighton on March 5. The Crystal Palace game could be rearranged before then, but with an international break to come, that is likely to be later in April.
