78-cap England star predicts Newcastle United to win the Premier League despite Brighton & Liverpool defeats

Former England international Stuart Pearce has tipped Newcastle United to win the Premier League title - despite a tough start to the season.

Speaking after the Magpies’ 5-1 opening day victory over Aston Villa, the 61-year-old surprisingly stated his belief that his former club could claim their first top flight title since Hughie Gallagher captained the club to the Division One championship in 1927.

“To be honest with you, I think they’ll win the league this season,” Pearce told talkSPORT.

“I think Newcastle, with the recruitment they’ve done, how they’ve (the owners) just gone in, how things are, I’ve been up there a couple of times and the place is rocking. If they keep everyone fit and have a good run at it, and this game on Saturday evening could be a good indicator over if they have the credentials.

“When I went up there to play I couldn’t believe the atmosphere, it was just incredible. It was arguably one of the best I’ve played in because of the excitement and intensity. That all dropped away in the resulting years but I’ll tell you what, I’ve never known excitement and euphoria up there at the football club and the city.

“The football club is brilliant and to be fair with Manchester City losing De Bruyne for a length of time, that will impact on Haaland as well. It’ll hurt them a lot and that’s probably why I’m looking at Newcastle.”

Since Pearce’s bold prediction, Newcastle have lost every game to Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion. Eddie Howe’s side are already nine points behind league leader City and have the Champions League, Carabao Cup and FA Cup to consider.

However, the former defender, who also played for Nottingham Forest and West Ham United, is standing by his prediction.

In an exchange with former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan, Pearce concluded: “Out of shear mindedness but I’m sticking with it! I think they’ve had the toughest start on paper than any team in the league. Liverpool, Man City and Brighton away and Aston Villa at home - all teams you think will be there or thereabouts.”