Festive run-up won’t be easy for the Magpies, insists Johnson

FORMER England and Liverpool defender Glen Johnson believes Newcastle’s favourable upcoming run of fixtures could work against them.

After a difficult recent run of form, the Magpies returned to winning ways on Friday evening with a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace.

The win lifted Steve Bruce’s side up to 12th in the Premier League table and seven points clear of the Premier League’s relegation zone and there is a renewed sense of optimism heading into a decent run of fixtures in December.

Friday’s trip to Aston Villa is followed by a triple-header against Leeds, West Brom and Fulham.

However, Johnson fears Newcastle are actually worse against the teams in and around them in the Premier

League and believes they should be wary heading into the Christmas.

“They could be,” Johnson replied when asked whether Newcastle could end up in the top eight of the Premier League table after their next four Premier League matches.

He said: “We know what this league is like and it is very tough. Anyone can beat anyone on their given day.

“They are four fantastic fixtures and the Newcastle players will be rubbing their hands together - but they still have to put the performances together.

“I would fancy them to at least get two wins.

“Unfortunately with Newcastle sometimes when they are favourites they don’t perform as well as they would expect.”