When Tuesday night’s matches kicked off, Newcastle United were in 18th position place in the table and at various times were then 19th, 18th, 17th…and eventually 19th again.

Despite not playing until Wednesday night, there was plenty to interest Newcastle fans as Saturday’s matches unfolded.

Paul Merson believes Newcastle and Sunderland will survive but not too sure about his workings out…

Michael Owen: ‘Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy have between them (33) scored more PL goals than the Canaries (- scored 30, Newcastle have scored….27).”

NUFC Fans Forum meeting: ‘The club reiterated its belief that the squad now has strong options in most positions…’

Fabricio Coloccini agrees there is extra responsibility on him as Captain in the relegation fight but says: “All I can do is just try to play and give 100% every game and try to get points.”

Bournemouth and Sunderland in March, Swansea and Palace in April. Four games, and no less than four wins for Newcastle United.

I can’t help but think that Newcastle’s survival, or not, is going to rely on finishing above both Norwich and Sunderland.

The personnel involved and the background circumstances may change, but it’s always the same basic premise: Newcastle United are playing in a huge match, their biggest ever and I am late.

With only six wins from 26 league games, the odds seem stacked against Newcastle getting to the magic 40 points mark.