How Newcastle United can be mathematically safe from Premier League relegation this weekend

Newcastle United could be mathematically safe from Premier League relegation this weekend.

Eddie Howe’s side welcome title-chasing Liverpool to St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 12:30pm) in their penultimate home game of the 2021/22 campaign.

The meeting in the North East will see two of the top-flight’s in-form teams go head-to-head, with United’s 32 points in 2022 bettered only by the Reds’ 38.

The Magpies have won their last six matches on Tyneside - Everton, Aston Villa, Brighton, Wolves, Leicester City and Crystal Palace - to surge away from the bottom three.

Despite climbing into the top 10 following the 3-0 victory at Norwich City last time out, and holding a 13-point advantage over the drop zone, Howe still refused to admit that United had achieved survival just yet.

“Are we mathematically safe? Then no,” said the 44-year-old with a smile.

How Newcastle can be mathematically safe this weekend

However, Howe can answer a definitive yes to that question this weekend should Newcastle better Burnley’s result at 19th placed Watford, which kicks off at 3pm.

The Clarets, under the caretaker charge of Mike Jackson, sit on 31 points with a game in hand after back-to-back wins versus Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Also, a shock win for Newcastle against Liverpool and Everton failing to beat Chelsea at Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon would see Howe’s men officially safe.

Frank Lampard’s side dropped into the relegation zone on Sunday after losing to bitter rivals Liverpool at Anfield. The Toffees have 29 points from 32 games.