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The Premier League feels more competitive than ever this season.

Though all three of the promoted teams are struggling, it is those leading the Premier League who feel as if they have sorted their acts out.

Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool all look to be in better places than last time out, while Brighton and Aston Villa are in their first full season under their impressive managers. West Ham, meanwhile, proved tricky customers for Newcastle United on Sunday.

The usually so dominant Manchester City have now lost two games on the bounce too, perhaps opening up a title race.

Newcastle are getting back to their best too. Between last month’s international break and the one this month, there has been a huge improvement in a domestic sense, as well as some fantastic nights in the Champions League.

Eddie Howe’s side sit eighth but remain only four points off the top four. Indeed, it’s making for fascinating viewing.

Asked for his predictions, Gary Neville gave his view on where the Magpies will finish.

Gary Neville says Newcastle are likely to finish fifth this season

Speaking on his Sky Sports podcast, the pundit said: “I think I said Villa at the start of the season, so I’ll stick with them but it wouldn’t surprise me if it was Newcastle. Chelsea or Newcastle for me would be the fifth team.”

That should be the least of Newcastle’s ambitions

While finishing fifth could get Champions League football if English clubs perform well in this season’s competition, that shouldn’t be the aim for Howe. Not that it was ever likely to be.

Newcastle have beaten City and thrashed Paris Saint-Germain since recovering from a poor start. Having already played six of the top eight, there are now much more winnable games on the horizon.

Another top four finish does feel on the cards.