'Pretty disastrous' - Former England defender Matthew Upson assesses Newcastle United's survival hopes

Former England defender Matthew Upson expects Newcastle United to retain their Premier League status – but admits that could quickly change.
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 04: Matt Smith, Clinton Morrison and Matthew Upson report pitchside for Amazon Prime television ahead of the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United at Molineux on December 04, 2019 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 04: Matt Smith, Clinton Morrison and Matthew Upson report pitchside for Amazon Prime television ahead of the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United at Molineux on December 04, 2019 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 04: Matt Smith, Clinton Morrison and Matthew Upson report pitchside for Amazon Prime television ahead of the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United at Molineux on December 04, 2019 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Although the Magpies are seven points above the relegation zone, supporters are fearing the worst with no wins in nine matches.

Two cups exits, plus just one goal scored in seven matches, supporters have piled the pressure on head coach Steve Bruce.

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When asked if Newcastle are in a relegation battle and if Mike Ashley should consider a managerial change, Upon told Sky Sports’ Football Show: “The form guide says yes to your first question.

"They are in a battle because to not be scoring goals on the basis Newcastle are at the moment is pretty disastrous, to be honest.

"They had a decent start and overall, you look at the table and think OK, you’ve got a little buffer and some fixtures coming up you think they’ll pick up some points – perhaps that will be the case for Newcastle in that sense.

"Looking at Steve Bruce’s job under the current ownership, staying up is vital. I think the next few games are going to be key.

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"They’re going to need to start scoring some goals and starting getting points on the board.

"With how things are at the moment, I would expect it to stay the same but as we know in football, a couple of weeks time – two or three matches – the picture changes completely.

"It’s going to be interesting to see what happens at Newcastle.”