It’s the business end of the season and Newcastle United are again in a battle - for the third season in a row - to decide their European fate.
Two years ago it was a Champions League battle, with a return to the competition for the first time in two decades on the line. As we all know it had a happy ending. Last season was the opposite. After some top flight struggles the Magpies looked like they’d managed to squeeze into the UEFA Conference League for this season, only for Manchester United to claim a Europa League spot, despite finishing outside the top seven, thanks to their FA Cup triumph. The Magpies ended empty-handed, but every cloud, given the freedom to compete - and win - the Carabao Cup this campaign.
This season, Newcastle already have a Euro spot in the bag, but it’s just a case of which competition they’ll grace? Will it be a top five Champions League spot and the untold riches and transformation the competition would undoubtedly bring? Will it be another dalliance with the Europa League, not tackled since the days of Alan Pardew & Co? Or will it be the Conference League this time? Although very winnable, that’s the wooden spoon few, particularly the bean counters, want at St James’ Park next season.
At the close of play on Sunday, the Magpies are fourth in the Premier League table, but could drop down by the next time they play - next Sunday at home to rivals Chelsea. So we asked Grok, X’s AI tool, where each of the 20 Premier League teams would finish this season, with just three games left to play. And here’s where it thinks the Magpies will end their campaign.
(This table was done prior to Crystal Palace v Nottingham Forest)
9. Manchester United - 12th
United’s 2024/25 season has been dismal, with Ruben Amorim calling it the “worst squad in club history.” A projected 12th-place finish in 2025/26 reflects ongoing struggles. A mid-table finish is likely unless Amorim turns things around. | Getty Images
10. Everton - 11th
Everton’s move to their new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium and potential new ownership could spark a revival. Their 2024/25 season has been relegation-adjacent, but a 11th-place projection for 2025/26 suggests incremental progress. | Getty Images
11. West Ham - 10th
West Ham’s struggles under Julen Lopetegui (four wins in 17 games) and Graham Potter’s shaky tenure suggest a transitional 2025/26. A mid-table finish seems likely unless results improve significantly. | Getty Images
12. Brighton & Hove Albion - 9th
Brighton’s innovative approach under Fabian Hurzeler has kept them competitive, but their 2024/25 form (mid-table) suggests a ceiling. Their attacking style and young squad could secure a top-half finish, especially with improved injury management. | Getty Images