The Newcastle United fans here in the Transfer Tavern are hoping Rafa Benitez can use his wealth of experience, to avoid the Magpies returning to the Championship at the first time of asking.

Following a great start to the season under Rafa Benitez, where they have seen themselves among the elite of the Premier League, Newcastle have slowly nosedived down the table much to the annoyance of our local Geordies in the bar. Indeed, the Toon army have failed to celebrate a lot of goals so far this season, while Benitez has struggled with a threadbare squad in desperate need of investment and quality.

If Newcastle are to survive in the Premier League they have to start finding the net on a more regular basis, and with the bottom half of the table so tight, the relegation threat spreads to close to mid-table.

With that at the forefront of our landlord’s mind, he takes a look at what two games can potentially keep the Magpies up this season…

March 10th: Home v Southampton

March is a big month for Newcastle and manager Benitez, in the space of three weeks they face two teams that are around them and fighting the fight to stay up as well.

Southampton have had a major nose dive into the bottom three and if Newcastle wants to steer clear of a return to the Championship then a win against the Saints will open up a little breathing space between themselves and flirting with the idea of relegation.

March 31st: Home v Huddersfield Town

A game against fellow newly promoted team Huddersfield comes at the end of March and one of the final games that Newcastle face a team around them in the league.

Benitez will be hoping for a better result than last time out against the Terriers and a win will see them start to climb the table. If Newcastle can find the net a little more between then and now and the infamous home crowd fully get behind the team, survival may be a little more realistic come April.