It’s going to the final day. We always knew it would be this way really.
Newcastle United’s narrow, spirited defeat at Arsenal means that, like they probably did beforehand, they have to beat Everton at St James’ Park on the final day. Doing so would guarantee their spot in the top five of the Premier League, and see Champions League football return to Tyneside. In truth, if they can’t beat the Toffees on home turf, in a Champions League shootout, you’d have to question whether they deserve to qualify, anyway.
It’s tight. Too tight to call. A win for Nottingham Forest, one for Aston Villa and Chelsea before that, sees all four teams go head-to-head on the last day - next Sunday teatime - with Man City, too, separated by a point. Three will get in, two will miss out. Will the Magpies end up on the right side of the line, well we certainly hope so. We asked AI tool Grok to predict where it thinks the Magpies will finish. And here’s what it said.
1. Sunderland - 20th
Their return to the Premier League is likely to be brief. Promoted teams have historically struggled (e.g., Southampton’s 2024/25 relegation), and Sunderland’s squad may lack the quality to survive. | Getty Images
2. Burnley - 19th
Burnley’s promotion brings them back, but their 2023/24 relegation exposed defensive frailties. Simulations predict all promoted sides will struggle, and Burnley’s lack of top-tier depth could see them drop. | Getty Images
3. Leeds United - 18th
Leeds return to the Premier League for 2025/26, but data suggests promoted sides struggle, with all three projected to go down. Their attacking style may not translate against stronger opposition, leading to relegation. | Getty Images
4. Brentford - 17th
Brentford’s established status under Thomas Frank is a strength, but their reliance on key players like Bryan Mbeumo (if he stays) and a potential Frank departure to a bigger club could destabilize them. A 17th-place finish reflects caution. | Getty Images