Matt Ritchie: This is why next three games crucial for Newcastle title hopes
By Emma Sanders
Newcastle star Matt Ritchie claims his team must stay focused over Christmas because results in this period could help to decide who wins the title at the end of the season.
The Magpies are currently top of the Championship table and have a crucial clash against Sheffield Wednesday on Boxing Day before they take on Nottingham Forest next Friday evening.
Ritchie claims the period is testing because it demands clubs use all of their squad and rotation is key during the busy fixtures schedule.
“The Christmas period can have a huge impact on the end of the season, I think, because there’s so many games so your squad comes into play,” said Ritchie, as reported by The Chronicle.
“Recovery for each game is obviously so important too. We have to keep focused instead of enjoying the festive period because we’re footballers and obviously that’s our job.”
Rafa Benitez’ side have been in great form since the start of the 2016-17 season and Ritchie has been one of the star performers in the Newcastle side.
He has already made 23 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring five goals and providing eight assists and he will be expected to start the clash against Sheffield Wednesday.
Newcastle were relegated from the Premier League last season but Benitez made a number of signings in the summer and the club are favourites to gain promotion back into the English top flight.
They only hold a one point lead over Brighton in second place, who they face in January, and without key midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, it is crucial Newcastle avoid dropping points over the festive period.
In other Newcastle news, Shelvey claimed an appeal would be unfair on his teammates.