Newcastle need a Howe-dini act to avoid relegation and are now 8/13 to go down

And, even with the Saudi billions behind him, the bookies remain more convinced than ever that it is a feat beyond the former Bournemouth boss.

Tuesday night's draw with fellow strugglers Norwich City left the Magpies bottom of the pile with just seven points from a possible 42.

With no chance of reinforcements until January and an unforgiving December fixture list which includes clashes with Liverpool, Manchester City and a sure to be revitalised Manchester United it was already looking bleak for Howe's men.

Norwich also had their odds shortened, despite a three-match unbeaten run, and are now 2/9 with Planet Sport Bet to make an instant return to the Championship. Leeds were the big winners on the night, with their last-gasp 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace sending them five clear of the drop zone and out to 4/1 to be relegated.

The magical 40 points remains the aim. Nine wins and six draws would allow them to lose nine and still hit the mark - it doesn't seem such a tall order. However, when you factor in that it is the equivalent of 1.375 points per game, just short of Manchester United's current figure in eighth (1.38) then the scale of the task becomes apparent.

At least it has not escaped the attention of Howe who, looking ahead to another crucial relegation six-pointer against Burnley on Saturday, said: "We know we need to win the game and we want to win the game."

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