Fans can expect rule changes aplenty when it comes to the 2019/20 Premier League season but one alteration seems to have gone without much furore.
A new rule in regards to the finishing spots in the Premier League table which could impact Newcastle United .
Teams in the top tier have always been separated by goal difference first and then goals scored. If all figures were still level then a play-off match would come into effect.
But from the upcoming campaign onwards the Premier League is ditching the goal difference rule. Instead, teams who are level in the table will be separated by head-to-head records before goal difference.
"If two or more clubs finish level in the table when competing for the title or European qualification, or when relegation is at stake, their records in the head-to-head matches will now be used to separate them," a Premier League statement read.
"In 2019/20 the team who have collected the most points in the head-to-head duels between the sides lying level on points, goal difference and number of goals scored, will take the highest finishing position, while the team with the fewest will take the lowest place.
"If clubs still cannot be separated, the team who scored the most goals away from home in the head-to-head matches will get the highest position."
A play-off would take place if they cannot be separated after that. Manchester City edged out Liverpool by one point last season. Meanwhile, just two points separated Chelsea (third) and Arsenal (fifth) during the 2018/19 campaign.
Newcastle finished level on points with Bournemouth last season due to their superior goal difference, though they would have still ended 13th thanks to their better head to head record versus the Cherries after one win and one draw against them.
