Two wins in a week over Sheffield United and Southampton followed on from the late draw with top flight champions Manchester City taking United to the fringes of the Premier League top 10. At present Bruce’s Magpies sit 11th, outside the top half only on goal difference.
But can they make the jump into the top half? The bookies rate United, and a host of other team's chances.
1. Aston Villa - 9/1
Current position: 17
Current points: 15 | 2019 Getty Images Photo: Catherine Ivill
2. Southampton - 7/1
Current position: 18
Current points: 15 | Getty Images Photo: Nigel Roddis
3. West Ham United - 7/1
Current position: 16
Current points: 16 | Getty Images Photo: Dan Istitene
4. Bournemouth - 11/2
Current position: 15
Current points: 16 | Getty Images Photo: Catherine Ivill