Peter Crouch has claimed that Newcastle United’s “crippled confidence” makes them the favourites to finish in 18th behind the likes of Fulham and Brighton.
Newcastle’s poor form since December has dragged into a relegation battle. Since their 2-1 win over West Brom on December 12, the Magpies have only won twice in the Premier League.
This run has included ten defeats and three draws. Fulham are a place behind Newcastle and they are five games unbeaten in the league. This improved form has seen them close in to just three points of Steve Bruce’s side.
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Writing in his column for The Daily Mail, Crouch suggested that “the picture has completely changed” for Newcastle:
“When I made my predictions at the beginning of the season, I had Fulham and Brighton as two of my three to go down, along with West Brom.
“When Newcastle started with a win at West Ham, I said on these pages that Steve Bruce had bought well and they would be fine. You have asked me to make the prediction today, though, and the picture has completely changed.
“I’ve watched Brighton a lot recently and I’ve been won over by them. They play good football, they have got too many good players and they won’t go down. They should have won at West Brom on Saturday.
“Fulham are putting a compelling argument together, too. Scott Parker looked like he had an impossible job at the start of the season — I was at Craven Cottage on the opening day and they didn’t give me any confidence — but they have got momentum now.
“Newcastle, on the other hand, are sinking. It pains me to say because I am a fan of Bruce — I have never hidden that — but the toxicity around them, together with crippled confidence and big injuries, is dragging them down.
“We are all looking forward to seeing fans back inside stadiums but I’d argue that Newcastle are better off playing behind closed doors for as long as possible, as the discontent is so apparent.
“It isn’t helpful. I love them as a club but I’d now have them as favourites for the last relegation place.”
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