Newcastle’s Jekyll and Hyde home and away formpublished at 10:39 GMT
10:39 GMT
Matthew Hobbs
BBC Sport
Newcastle’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Fulham on Wednesday
night provides a welcome return to St James’ Park.
The Magpies’ contrasting form at home and on the road has been
of the Jekyll and Hyde variety this season – they have won just twice away in 11
attempts in all competitions, most recently losing the Wear-Tyne derby at Sunderland
on Sunday afternoon.
Such a torrid record jars entirely with how Eddie Howe’s
side have played at home, winning nine of 13 matches,
including seven of the past eight. Newcastle have not lost at St James’ Park in
any competition since September.
So why is the form of such a talented squad varying so dramatically?
Fixture congestion may be playing some part as Newcastle fight on four fronts
this season but data from Premier League matches suggests that Newcastle are
struggling against teams who defend from a deeper position – particularly away
from home.
The Magpies have won just once away from home in the league
against Everton on 29 November. In that match, Newcastle had just over 50%
possession, which is more in line with their average in home fixtures this
season.
However, their overall average possession on the road rises
to 54%, and when Newcastle have more of the ball, they create fewer chances, have fewer touches in the opposition box and
score fewer goals.
Sitting deep may prove to be a useful tactic for Fulham
tomorrow night.
Image caption,
Newcastle are less effective with more of the ball in away games this season