Why Newcastle United won't play at St James' Park for over a month after Brighton win

St James' Park is a different place these days. While Newcastle United have always been able to count on the loyal backing of more than 50,000 supporters on matchdays, many attended from a sense of duty rather than with a genuine excitement over what was the come.

Now the scene couldn't be more different. With Wor Flags back inside the ground and leading the way with some spectacular displays, the pre-match atmosphere is something to behold. Premier League stalwart Gary Neville even said it felt more upbeat than during the Kevin Keegan Entetainers era on Tyneside.

Eddie Howe's side have done the job on the pitch too, remaining unbeaten in the Premier League in 2022 and edging away from the relegation zone. But if they are to continue their current good form, they will have to do so away from the home comforts of St James' Park, due to a quirk of the fixture schedule. Here's why.

Southampton A

Chelsea A

Everton A

Tottenham A

When the fixture list drops every June, the home and away fixtures are usually evenly balanced, with perhaps the odd run of two consecutive away games, and this season is no different. However, due to two games being postoned earlier in the season - the games at Southampton and Everton - and limited availability for rescheduling, the Premier League are using these weeks to catch up on the matches they need to fit.

This meant United facing away games either side of the already scheduled match with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. That would be tough enough, but their game with Crystal Palace at St James' Park on March 20 was postponed due to the Eagles' involvement in the FA Cup quarter-finals that weekend. That fixture has yet to be rearranged. This means that Newcastle's next game following the