After a lacklustre start to the Premier League season, Newcastle United have really turned things around in recent weeks.

With wins against the likes of Huddersfield Town and Burnley, the Magpies now find themselves sitting 14th in the table having previously been in the relegation zone.

And while there is still a long way to go in the campaign, it is hard to imagine them being there again come May.

This term, goals have been a problem for Newcastle, which is why some may still be tipping Rafael Benitez's men to get caught up in a relegation battle. Looking at the amount of goals scored by team's in the Premier League so far, only Huddersfield have registered less than the Tyneside club.

Newcastle's strength at the back, however, looks to be compensating for their lack of efficiency in front of goal and could be enough to help them secure safety if they maintain their level of defending.

To put things into perspective, only five teams have kept more clean sheets than them this season including the division's top four sides with the signings of central defenders Federico Fernandez and Fabian Schar playing its part.

That, along with the shrewd management of Benitez, who is a very good coach when it comes to the defensive side of the game, will give Newcastle a massive edge over their rivals.