Now is the time to bet on Newcastle at 5/4 for a top-ten finish

At 3-0 down against Everton after 37 minutes in September, Newcastle looked like outstanding candidates for relegation and manager Alan Pardew was hanging on to his job for dear life.

Two second-half goals without reply couldn’t save the match, but it may have saved the Magpies season as they went on to pick up ten points from their next five Premier League games, having garnered just seven from their first six outings of the campaign.

Considering that tally was procured from matches against Cardiff, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham – with their sole loss since defeat at the Toffees coming in the Tyne-Wear derby at Sunderland – the Geordie faithful can be pretty happy with how Pardew has turned things around.

With a home tie up next against Norwich in the Premier League – which Newcastle are well-fancied to win at odds of 8/11 – now is the right time to back Pardew’s men for a top-ten finish this term at 5/4 odds.  

The Magpies currently sit ninth in the top-flight table, two points behind 5/2 Premier League favourites Manchester City and three ahead of West Brom, Aston Villa and Hull in 10th, 11th and 12th.

They have a favourable run of fixtures coming up, with the Baggies travelling to the north east next time out after Norwich, followed by a trip to Wales to take on a Swansea side that are without a win in five matches.

Although Newcastle finished last season just two places above the relegation zone in 16th spot, West Ham were only five points ahead of them in 10th, which was the same points difference between the Geordies and Wigan in 18th.

Under Pardew, Newcastle finished ahead of Chelsea in this division just over 18 months ago and ended up qualifying for Europe through their league placing.

Nine of the 11 players who started the last game of the 2011/12 season for Newcastle are still at the club and some of last January’s French recruits are beginning to show form, particularly winger Yoan Goufrann.

With goalkeeper Tim Krul in inspired form of late and on-loan striker Loic Remy banging in the goals, it could yet be sunny on Tyneside come May.