Newcastle could still be relegated this season - here's how it could happen

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Martin Macdonald | Author

It's pretty unlikely, but there is still a mathematical chance that Newcastle United could be relegated this season.

The Magpies have had a wretched campaign in 2025/26, winning 12, drawing six and losing 16 of their 34 league matches so far - a far cry from their 2024/25 form that saw them qualify for the Champions League.

Manager Eddie Howe is under severe pressure at the moment and a run of four losses in a row against Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and then Arsenal last weekend has led to them suddenly looking over their shoulders towards the dropzone.

They are on 42 points for the season and while that's usually enough to stay up, there's a dour feeling at St. James' Park and if Howe doesn't lift things quickly, the club could suddenly find themselves in a last-minute relegation scrap.

A number of factors need to go against them, but here's how relegation could happen.

Newcastle, West Ham, Forest all linked

The futures of Newcastle, West Ham and Forest will be intrinsically linked as the Magpies face both West Ham and Forest in their remaining four fixtures.

In addition to that, Newcastle face Brighton this weekend and then Fulham on the final day. In order to be relegated, Howe's men need to lose all four of their remaining matches.

As well as...

West Ham winning two matches and drawing one, and Forest winning once and drawing once, at least.

These results could play out when the teams face each other or, in the case of West Ham, when they play Brentford, West Ham or Leeds or, in the case of Forest, when they play Chelsea, Manchester United or Bournemouth.

Tottenham need to win three games

One of the biggest stories in the history of the Premier League would be Tottenham suffering relegation in 2025/26 as the last time they dropped to the second tier, Star Wars was just hitting theatres.

After sacking Ange Postecoglou following their Europa League triumph last year, they put their faith in Thomas Frank and as they drifted further and further down the table, he was also dismissed.

The decision to appoint Igor Tudor as interim coach was as baffling as it was disastrous and he was soon shown the door, allowing long-term target Roberto De Zerbi to be appointed.

At the moment, Spurs are down in 18th, two points adrift of safety, though have given themselves a fighting chance of staying up after claiming four points from their last two - a draw against Brighton and a potentially crucial win versus Wolves.

Spurs need to win three out of their last four games against Aston Villa, Leeds, Chelsea and Everton to contribute to Newcastle's potential demise.

They have won just once in 2026.

Leeds need one win (or three draws)

Leeds are just below Newcastle in 15th and they, too, could be sucked into the relegation battle within the last handful of fixtures.

They need just three points to guarantee safety whether that comes from a win or three draws.

There's two blockbuster matches against Tottenham and West Ham coming up as well as Burnley and Brighton at home.

Burnley are already relegated so Daniel Farke and his men could see themselves safe as early as this weekend.

If Newcastle lose against Brighton on Saturday and other results go against them, the final few weeks of the season could be filled with dread for the St. James' Park faithful.

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