Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer does not expect his side to finish as high up the table as they did last season.
The new Premier League campaign kicks off this weekend, and there is a lot of excitement from the Toon Army. Eddie Howe‘s side are well placed to enjoy another exciting year, as they look to build on what was a remarkably good 2022/23 season.
The Magpies did the unthinkable and came fourth, qualifying for the Champions League. No one anticipated that at the start of the season, but Howe’s side were good value by the end of it.
Now the challenge is to do it again, and this time it is going to be even more difficult. A lot more is expected of Newcastle, while there should be stronger challengers such as Liverpool and Chelsea.
On top of that, the Magpies have Champions League football to contend with. While it is great to have European nights back at St James’ Park, it will likely have an impact on Newcastle’s Premier League form.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
And that is why Shearer thinks Newcastle will finish slightly lower this season.
Alan Shearer thinks Newcastle will be fifth in the Premier League
Shearer has been speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast alongside Gary Lineker and Micah Richards, and predicted exactly where Newcastle will finish this season.
“I think It will be a miracle if Newcastle get in the top four again,” he said.
“As much as I’d love it to happen. I think with Champions League football, with maybe a good cup run and maybe nicking one of the cups this year. I think if Newcastle were to have a similar season it would be a job well done.
“So I’ve got them finishing in fifth this year.”
That would be a good season for Newcastle
Most Toon fans are expecting a drop off this season. It is really difficult to envision Howe’s side doing just as well and qualifying for the Champions League yet again. As Shearer says, it would be a miracle.
But that does not mean it is going to be a disappointing season. To finish fifth would be excellent, and would serve as proof that we really are becoming an established side at the top end of the Premier League.
And if we could combine that with lifting a trophy then this season would arguably be even better than last!