Newcastle’s League Cup quarter-final against Fulham on Wednesday provides a welcome return to St James’ Park for the club’s players and supporters alike.
The Magpies’ contrasting form at home and on the road has been of the Jekyll and Hyde variety this season.
They have won just twice away in 11 attempts this season, most recently losing the derby at Sunderland on Sunday.
Such a torrid record jars entirely with how Eddie Howe’s side have played at home in 2025-26, winning nine of 13 matches, including seven of the past eight.
Newcastle have not lost at St James’ Park since September, so why is the form of such a talented squad varying so dramatically?
Fixture congestion may be playing some part as Newcastle fight on four fronts this season but data from Premier League matches suggests that Newcastle are struggling against teams who defend from a deeper position – particularly away from home.
The Magpies have won just once away from home in the league, against Everton on 29 November.
In that match, Newcastle had just over 50% possession, which is more in line with their average in home fixtures this season.
However, their overall average possession on the road rises to 54%, and when Newcastle have more of the ball, they are far less effective in attack, creating fewer chances, having fewer touches in the opposition box and scoring fewer goals.
Critically, what they do with the ball is also more laboured, recording a significantly higher number of long-passing sequences.
