Former West Ham striker Dean Ashton thinks Newcastle United are already safe despite losing their last three games. Defeats to Chelsea, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur have halted the Magpies following a recent nine-game unbeaten run but Eddie Howe’s side are still seven points clear of the relegation zone.
A crushing 5-1 defeat against Spurs last time out was a reality check to Newcastle players that they could be sucked back into the dogfight if complacency creeps in. Three home games in a row provide the opportunity to regain momentum and secure Premier League survival.
Ashton, however, believes the Magpies’ top-flight status is already secured. “I think so (whether Newcastle are safe),” he told talkSPORT’s GameDay podcast. “The three defeats on the bounce have maybe hurt them but you've got Tottenham and Chelsea in there, so I think I think you've got to take that into account.
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“I wouldn't be too worried if I were a Newcastle fan. I think they've done enough. They’re in with a few teams down there that are one win away from being too far from the teams in the bottom three."
However, the 38-year-old - who cruelly had his career cut short due to injury in 2009 - thinks the three-game losing run will be extended tonight. Newcastle welcome surprise package Wolves to St James’ Park and a win for the visitors would see them climb up to sixth in the table.
Ashton added: “I see Wolves winning this. I've been really impressed with Wolves, and interestingly, they’ve scored nine of their 33 goals in their last four games. I see Wolves being too strong for Newcastle but I don't think it's an issue. They’ve done enough already (to stay up).”
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