Michael Owen has just predicted where Newcastle will finish this season

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With the new Premier League season just over a week away, former Newcastle United striker Michael Owen has had his say on who will finish where.

The pundit has given his verdict on how Newcastle will do, as they look to build on what was an incredible 2022/23 campaign. Eddie Howe did the unthinkable and guided his side into the Champions League, finishing fourth in the league.

That was a remarkable achievement for the Magpies, who no one anticipated would break into the top four.

Owen certainly didn’t. Even towards the end of the season he was tipping Liverpool to jump above the Magpies and steal their Champions League place.

But that did not happen, and Europe’s most prestigious competition will be played at St James’ Park this season.

That is very exciting, but it could also create problems. The increase in games against higher quality opponent could take its toll on the Newcastle squad, who will do very well to replicate what they achieved last season.

For Owen, he does not foresee Newcastle doing quite as well this time.

Michael Owen thinks Newcastle will finish 7th

Owen has published his predicted Premier League table on his official Twitter account, which sees Manchester City retaining the title.

Going down he has got newly promoted Luton Town and Sheffield United, and they are joined in the bottom three by Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Sadly for Toon fans, Owen does not envision Newcastle finishing in the top four again. Alongside Man City, he has gone for Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United.

The 43-year-old actually has Howe’s side down in seventh, with Chelsea and Aston Villa also finishing above them.

That is three places lower than where Newcastle finished in the 2022/23 campaign, but would likely still bring European football to St James’ Park – just not the Champions League.

Would a seventh place finish be acceptable this season? It depends who you ask. For some, the expectation is so much higher now after last season. For others, simply getting into Europe again would be an achivement.

And with so many other teams improving over the summer, it is going to be very difficult for Newcastle to finish in the top four yet again.