'Those three are going down' - David James assesses Newcastle United's survival hopes after Fulham draw vs Burnley

Former England goalkeeper David James has backed Newcastle United to avoid relegation following Fulham’s draw with Burnley on Wednesday evening.
Steve Bruce, Manager of Newcastle United. (Photo by Adrian Dennis - Pool/Getty Images)Steve Bruce, Manager of Newcastle United. (Photo by Adrian Dennis - Pool/Getty Images)
Steve Bruce, Manager of Newcastle United. (Photo by Adrian Dennis - Pool/Getty Images)

Scott Parker’s men cut the gap on the Magpies to six points with a point against the Clarets, but missed out on the opportunity to pile even more pressure on the Toon Army after throwing away a second-half lead.

The Cottagers still pose a considerable threat to Steve Bruce’s side, however, and could make up yet more ground this weekend if they can beat bottom club Sheffield United and Newcastle lose to high-flying Manchester United.

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But while he has acknowledged that Fulham still have their destiny in their own hands, James is confident that the Magpies will have enough to beat the drop.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Football Show, he said: “The bit that you have control over, which are the games that you’re playing in, and there’s the other bit.

"There's a bit in Fulham’s favour that if Newcastle can’t pick points up, they might by default be able to get out with the odd draw here and there.

"There’s enough games left, but you have to control your own games.

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"Yesterday, I think Fulham had an opportunity to win the game. Yes, they got a point, but that was a game for them to take.

"They took the lead, should’ve won the game and then put the matter in their own hands.

“The position that Fulham find themselves in – the bottom three, for me, are the three that are going down.

"Who knows what is going to happen with Newcastle, and I’m sure a lot of others will hope that they manage to get something at Manchester United and pull themselves away from the danger.

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"But those three are the ones going down. I’m not seeing enough form, even from Fulham, to suggest that they're going to get out of it.

"I think Burnley are safe unless something drastic happens and something amazing happens with Fulham.”With Newcastle and Fulham both battling for Premier League status, much could come down to the final day of the top flight campaign, with the two sides set to meet at Craven Cottage on May 23rd.