IT MAY not be possible to say: 'Newcastle have never had a better chance of winning the Premiership', but they are certainly in the driving seat at the moment.

Memories of the 1995-96 season, and Kevin Keegan's side that led the top-flight by a whopping 12 points at the beginning of February, are still not out of the minds of the Toon Army.

That year the mightyManchester United somehow clawed their way back into the Championship race and they took the crown on the final day in May.

Six years later and the situation is a lot different with United leading the way and Newcastle nicely placed to lodge an assault on top-spot.

Critics have said all along that the Magpies' push for the title would not last the distance, but they are still there with only 13 games to go.

Saturday's victory over Bolton - achieved despite being a goal-down on two occasions at St. James' Park - has made a few of those doubters start to consider having a flutter on the long odds of 20/1.

Should BobbyRobson's side win their match in hand on the champions, then there will be a change at the top of the League.

And with Robson's men not having to face the Old Trafford club again this season they must have a strong case for surprising a few and stealing the crown from the Theatre of Dreams' trophy room.

Newcastle must take on third-placed Arsenal and fourth-placed Liverpool in space of four March days, and that could prove to be a massive period in the race for the championship - another big day for Robson is the Tyne-Wear derby with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on February 24.

Of course, as the Premiership currently stands, this is by no means a two horse race.

And, while many insist that Man. United will again claim the title, there are four other clubs who are still in contention.

Liverpool's 4-0 victory over Leeds United at Elland Road yesterday has severely dented any hopes the Yorkshire club had - but David O'Leary's side, nine points behind the leaders, have only Man. United left to play out of the current top six.

Fifth placed Chelsea could also be just too far off the pace, but if they can rid themselves of inconsistency and take maximum points from matches with Sir Alex Ferguson's men and Liverpool, who knows?

Liverpool, meanwhile, showed that they could make a late surge. After a disappointing period, with the superb success at Leeds - and with games against Newcastle and Chelsea pencilled in for the Reds - Liverpool still have a major say in who will finishnumber one.

Arsenal, who recorded a poor 1-1 draw with Southampton at Highbury on Saturday, are strong contenders, and the result when they make the trip to OldTrafford on April 13 is another huge fixture for all football fans interested in who will win the League. United remain favourites - and rightly so with the squad they have at their disposal - have still to play Leeds and Chelsea, as well as the Gunners.

European football will undoubtedly play a part in proceedings with Arsenal, Man. United,Leeds and Liverpool all having interests in that field.

That could further open the door for Newcastle and few will disagree with how refreshing this battle is proving to be - let's hope it still is come May.