Newcastle United are back in Premier League action on Saturday.
Eddie Howe’s side host Southampton at St James Park as Newcastle look to make a return to European football.
It will be fascinating to see what Howe is capable of this season. It has not been the most productive of summer transfer windows but a reduced schedule should – in theory at least – mean there are fewer chances for the Newcastle squad to sustain injuries.
Indeed, that was such an issue last season that Joe Cole suggested it couldn’t just be down to bad luck, instead pointing to potential problems behind the scenes.
Still, while fitness in football is not an exact science, only having to focus on domestic matters should mean there is not quite as great a strain this time around.
Newcastle are in an interesting position. Howe is said to have been warned by the club’s PIF owners that their Premier League position must improve but doing that will not be easy given the relatively slow summer window.
As the new season approaches, pundits are offering their predictions.
Micah Richards is the latest.
Micah Richards predicts where Newcastle will finish in the Premier League season
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Richards said: “I am going to say just miss out on Champions League, I think fifth or sixth.
Co-host Gary Lineker added: “I am going to go with you Micah. I am going to go European as well. They don’t need any bad luck with the injuries they had last season.”
Newcastle must improve on history
If they’re going to compete for European football this season, Newcastle really need to be beating newly promoted clubs at home – starting with Southampton on Saturday.
Though Howe’s side will be favourites, they will need to improve on their opening day history.
In the Premier League era, Newcastle have won just 11 of their 28 games on the opening day of the season, drawing five and losing 12 times.
Failure to claim all three points on Saturday and the season will be begin on the most sour note imaginable.
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