I asked AI where Newcastle United will finish this season - exciting news for supporters
Could Newcastle United earn Champions League qualification through the back door? We asked AI for their verdict.
For any Newcastle United supporters who remain sceptical of artificial intelligence now might be the time to change your tune. Like the wheel, steam engine, television and internet, AI looks set to be the next big explosion on humanity.
A frenzy has engulfed Tyneside in recent days following the Carabao Cup win. Eddie Howe is now immortalised as a club icon, doing what Kevin Keegan, Sir Bobby Robson or Alan Shearer could not: win silverware at St James’ Park.
Newcastle stars not on international duty enjoyed a break from the madness in Dubai ahead of this weekend’s trophy celebrations. Thousands of supporters will descend on the Town Moor, with further details to be announced in the coming days.
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Attention will quickly turn to the Premier League run-in as Brentford visit St James’ Park next Wednesday. Securing Champions League qualification alongside a cup would cement Newcastle’s best season since FA Cup success in 1955.
Fan optimism is at fever pitch but what does the swanky new technology predict? NewcastleWorld asked Grok, the AI tool powered by X, where it expects the Magpies to finish come May. And with English clubs on the brink of an extra Champions League spot, the results are intriguing…
“Predicting Newcastle United's exact finishing position in the Premier League for the 2024-2025 season involves some uncertainty,” Grok responded. “But I can provide an informed estimate based on available data and current trends as of March 24, 2025.
“Newcastle United have had a strong season so far. They won the EFL Cup on March 16, 2025, defeating Liverpool 2-1, securing their first major trophy since 1969 and guaranteeing at least a spot in the 2025-26 UEFA Conference League.
“In the Premier League, with matches updated to March 23, 2025, they are performing competitively. Various analyses, such as those from Opta, have been tracking their progress. As of mid-March, Opta’s supercomputer predicted Newcastle to finish 6th with 63 points, based on simulations factoring in their form, remaining fixtures, and historical performance.
“However, this prediction was made before their latest results and the EFL Cup final, which could boost morale and momentum. Currently, Newcastle are in contention for a top-five finish, which is significant because England is likely to secure an extra Champions League spot for the 2025-26 season due to strong performances by English clubs in European competitions.
“This would mean the top five teams qualify for the Champions League, rather than just the top four. Opta’s earlier February 20, 2025, prediction gave Newcastle a 17 per cent chance of finishing in the top four and a 44.6 per cent chance of finishing in the top five, reflecting their solid position. Posts on X from mid-March also suggest fan optimism, with some predicting a fifth-place finish or higher, potentially overtaking teams like Manchester City, who have been inconsistent.
“Newcastle’s remaining fixtures include challenging matches, but their recent form - unbeaten in several key games - and key players like Alexander Isak (19 goals in 25 games) and Anthony Gordon (leading chance creation) give them an edge. The lack of European distractions this season, unlike last year, has also allowed them to focus on domestic competitions, potentially improving their consistency.
“Considering all this, I’d predict Newcastle United will finish fifth in the Premier League this season. This accounts for their current momentum, the likelihood of an extra Champions League spot, and their ability to capitalize on rivals’ slip-ups.
“However, a finish as high as 3rd or as low as 7th remains plausible depending on how they navigate their final games and how teams like Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, and Manchester City perform. The race is tight, and their EFL Cup success could be the spark that pushes them into a Champions League spot via the league standings.”