Alan Shearer is still confident that Newcastle United are going to have a very good season, but Gary Lineker and Micah Richards are less optimistic.
The Magpies have endured an up and down season so far, but it has largely been positive for Eddie Howe and Newcastle United.
His side are seventh in the Premier League, which is impressive given the volume and calibre of games they have played, as well as the injury crisis they are enduring. They could be doing better – particularly away from home – but it has been a solid start with all things considered.
Away from the league, there has been joy in the Carabao Cup. Newcastle have knocked out Manchester City and Manchester United in spectacular fashion, and are now preparing for a quarter final clash with Chelsea.
However, the Champions League has been a different story. After the highs of beating PSG 4-1 at St James’ Park, the Magpies have struggled. And their European adventure could come to an end if they lose in Paris on Tuesday night.
But Newcastle will hope to return to the Champions League again next season, and that might just happen if they can finish in the top five. There is a chance that the Premier League could get an extra slot in the competition next season, as the format changes.
Alan Shearer makes Newcastle prediction, but Lineker disagrees
And, speaking on The Rest Of Football podcast, Toon legend Alan Shearer is still confident that Howe’s side can come fifth and potentially sneak into the Champions League again.
However, his confidence is not shared by his podcast pals Gary Lineker and Micah Richards.
On where Newcastle will finish, Shearer said: “I am sticking with fifth.”
Lineker: “I am going to go with Europe now, sorry Alan, I feel bad but they have had bad luck with injuries.”
Richards: “I think I agree with Gary, Europe.”
Another season in the Champions League would be a huge achievement
While it is great to see that Shearer is still optimistic about Newcastle finishing in the top five, it is difficult to share his optimism.
It is hard to envision the current top five being displaced, while there is also the prospect of Manchester United and Chelsea improving.
It certainly is not outside the realms of possibility, but it would be a major achievement if Newcastle did enough to get into the top five and possibly qualify for the Champions League again.
Lineker and Richards are perhaps being a bit more realistic, as they back Newcastle to remain in Europe next season – but in the Europa League or the Europa Conference League rather than the premier competition.
That would still be a great accomplishment, even if it would represent a step backwards from the 2022/23 campaign.
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