It wasn’t quite Liverpool levels of performance, but it didn’t have to be. After Newcastle United climbed their Mount Everest on March 16 at Wembley, points was all that mattered at St James’ Park. And three were claimed to put the Magpies back up to fifth in the Premier League table.
As things stand, if they finish there, that will secure a return to Champions League football, after missing out on Europe altogether last season. Of course, this time around that’s impossible, with the Carabao Cup win ensuring the Magpies have already secured a spot in the UEFA Conference League for next season - although, a club of United’s ambition would not be satisfied by a slot in Europe’s third tier competition.
Newcastle United claimed all three points on Wednesday evening thanks to a remarkable Sandro Tonali winner in the second half. Newcastle’s ‘midfield maestro, from Milano’ cracked in from what seemed like an impossible angle to add to Alexander Isak’s earlier strike to claim a 2-1 win. The result sees them keep pace with the Champions League-chasing pack, with the potential to grasp the opportunity with both hands, given Eddie Howe’s men have a game in hand on their rivals.
While Newcastle fans the region over are talking of ‘THE CHAMPIONS’ theme song returning to St James’ Park speakers, what does AI tool Grok think of the Magpies’ chances. We asked it - and here’s where it thinks Newcastle, and their rivals, will finish.
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