I asked AI to predict Newcastle United's 2024/25 season - and here's how it ends
Newcastle United are out the FA Cup, but hopes are still alive in the Carabao Cup and Premier League. We asked AI how things will turn out.
The FA Cup dream may be over for Newcastle United - but what about the rest of their season?
The Magpies crashed out of the FA Cup at the fifth round phase, ending any hopes they might have had about winning the competition for the first time since 1955, or ending their trophy drought, which stretches back to 1969.
But all isn’t over, although it doesn’t feel all that positive around St James’ Park at the moment. Newcastle are still fighting on two fronts, with the Carabao Cup final just around the corner, and a spot in the Champions League, Europa League or Europa Conference League still up for grabs.
So what will happen between now and May? We asked AI tool Grok to predict the future - and here’s what it said about what lies in store for Eddie Howe’s Magpies.
Where will Newcastle United finish in the Premier League?
Grok says: “Newcastle United are currently in a strong position in the 2024/25 Premier League season, though exact standings as of March 3, 2025, aren't fully detailed in the provided context. Various sources suggest they are in contention for a top-five finish. For instance, Opta's analysis from February 20, 2025, predicted Newcastle to finish 7th with 62 points, with a 17% chance of Champions League qualification (top four) and a 16% chance of Europa League (5th or 6th depending on other competitions). However, their form has been described as inconsistent since early 2025, with losses at home and key injuries affecting their momentum.
“Given their current trajectory and remaining fixtures, Newcastle face tough competition from teams like Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City, who are ahead or close in the race for top spots. Posts on X from late February and early March 2025 reflect pessimism among some fans, suggesting Newcastle might not win enough of their remaining games (estimated 10-12 matches left) to secure a top-four spot.
“A more realistic prediction, balancing their earlier five-game winning streak and current challenges (e.g., Alexander Isak's groin injury mentioned in a February 26 game vs. Liverpool), is that Newcastle will finish 5th or 6th.
“This would likely secure Europa League football, assuming they earn around 60-65 points, which aligns with Opta's projection and their competitive but not title-challenging form.”
What will happen in the Carabao Cup final?
While Grok thinks the Magpies will get back into Europe via the league, it doesn’t predict anything positive coming from the League Cup final.
Grok says: “Newcastle United have reached the 2025 Carabao Cup final, set for March 16, 2025, against Liverpool at Wembley Stadium.
“They secured their spot with a convincing 4-0 aggregate win over Arsenal in the semi-finals, showcasing defensive solidity and attacking prowess through players like Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.
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“Liverpool, however, are formidable opponents, leading the Premier League by a significant margin and boasting a record 10 League Cup titles, including a win in 2024.
“Despite Newcastle's strong cup run—beating Nottingham Forest, AFC Wimbledon, Chelsea, Brentford, and Arsenal—Liverpool's current form and historical success in this competition make them favourites.
“Sources highlight Liverpool's confidence after a 4-0 semi-final second-leg win over Tottenham, and their 2-0 league victory over Newcastle on February 26, 2025, exposed Newcastle's struggles against top opposition, especially without Isak. Posts on X also note a potential blow with Anthony Gordon's possible suspension for the final, further weakening Newcastle's chances.
“Newcastle’s last domestic trophy was the FA Cup in 1955, and their League Cup final record is poor (0-2, with losses in 1976 and 2023). While Eddie Howe’s side has shown resilience, Liverpool’s depth, tactical discipline under Arne Slot, and Wembley experience suggest Newcastle will likely lose the final, 2-1, after a competitive match. An early Liverpool goal could exploit Newcastle's cautious approach, as speculated by an X user after the February league encounter, though Newcastle might score late to keep it close.”
So in summary, AI thinks Newcastle United will finish 5th or 6th, earning Europa League qualification with approximately 60-65 points, falling short of the Champions League due to tougher remaining fixtures and inconsistent recent form. And in the cup, a 2-1 loss, making it third time runners up in the competition.