Throughout the opening few weeks of the new Premier League season, there has been a lot of debate about where Newcastle United will finish.
Before a ball had been kicked, a lot of pundits did not think Newcastle would finish in the top four again in the Premier League.
Then the Magpies smashed Aston Villa 5-1 and a lot of people changed their mind. Suddenly the top four was on again, while Stuart Pearce even backed his former side to become Premier League champions.
The mood has changed once again following back-to-back defeats to Manchester City and Liverpool, and in truth it is far too early to tell. After three games last season, you never would have tipped Newcastle to come fourth.
There is still a long way to go, although there is a universal acceptance that this will be a much tougher season for Eddie Howe‘s side. That is understandable, with Newcastle set to deal with the rigours of competing in the Champions League.
Newcastle not expected to finish in the top four again
While the pundits keep flipping and flapping, those inside St James’ Park seem to be much more measured with their prediction for the 2023/24 Premier League campaign.
According to the Telegraph, senior Newcastle sources believe that the club will be lower in the table this season and do not anticipate Howe to orchestrate another top four finish.
The report adds that while they would love to finish in the top four again, it is not being demanded of Howe, while there is an appreciation that the club overachieved last season.
That certainly was the case, and is the reason why the 2022/23 campaign will live long in the memories for Toon fans.
But the Newcastle players will be keen to create even more memories this season, particularly in the Champions League.
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