The Premier League is almost back, as Newcastle United prepare to kick off their 2024/25 campaign on Saturday.
The Magpies are at home against newly promoted Southampton on the opening day, with Anthony Gordon delighted to be playing at St James’ Park to start the season.
Playing at home gives Newcastle United the chance to get off to a flying start, and there is hope that this could be a very positive season for Eddie Howe’s side.
That is despite the lack of transfer activity, with Newcastle yet to sign anyone who improves Howe’s starting XI. However, that will change if Marc Guehi arrives from Crystal Palace. Newcastle are confident about signing Guehi, after submitting a third bid for the 24-year-old defender.
Regardless, the factors that went against Newcastle last season might not be an issue this time around. The lack of European football will play into the Magpies’ hands, while it should also result in less injuries.
Jeff Stelling predicts top four finish for Newcastle United
And that is why Jeff Stelling has predicted this to be a positive campaign for Newcastle United.
He has been speaking about the upcoming Premier League season on TalkSPORT (9:43am, 13/08/24), and has explained why he thinks the Magpies will finish fourth.
“For me, you see, Newcastle, they had a lot of injuries last season, and I know a lot of clubs did,” he said.
“But this season, if they stay relatively injury-free, they do not have Champions League to cope with this time. They are trying to strengthen the back with Guehi.
“I am going to go Newcastle in fourth place.”
Newcastle are stronger even without new signings
Stelling’s prediction is an ambitious one, given the calibre of competition in the Premier League. It is going to be a real battle to finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League. The traditional ‘big six’ will all be in the mix, while Aston Villa will also aim to retain their position after doing so well during the 2023/24 campaign.
But Newcastle are in a good position – even without any major additions. They will be stronger than last season, mainly because Sandro Tonali‘s suspension is due to come to an end. He will only miss Newcastle’s opening two Premier League games, with his comeback expected against Tottenham Hotspur on September 1st. It is a cliché, but Tonali will be like a new signing.
Plus, there is also so much more to come from Harvey Barnes. His first season on Tyneside was ruined by injury, and he has looked in fine form during pre-season.
The same goes for Lewis Hall, who is so much better than he was when he arrived 12 months ago. Joe Willock is back from injury too, and he is another player who can be a difference-maker for the Magpies.
There are plenty of reasons to be positive, and that is without Marc Guehi arriving. Hopefully he does, and it would be even better if he was followed to St James’ Park by a new winger.
With some new signings and key players returning, this has the makings of a special season. Newcastle United defied the odds during 2022/23 by qualifying for the Champions League, and the talent is there to do it again.
It will be extremely difficult, but Stelling has backed Eddie Howe’s side to repeat their success of two seasons ago.
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