Jamie Carragher makes laughable Newcastle United U-turn with new Premier League prediction

Last week, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher predicted Newcastle United to finish outside the Premier League top six. However, after Saturday evening’s 5-1 win over Aston Villa, the former Liverpool defender has performed a swift U-turn.

Both Carragher and Gary Neville were quick to write Eddie Howe’s side off prior to their league opener. Neville picked Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Aston Villa as his top six, while Carragher largely agreed, although tipped Tottenham Hotspur to finish sixth instead of Villa.

After Unai Emery’s men were dismantled by the Magpies following Alexander Isak’s brace and goals from Sandro Tonali, Callum Wilson and Harvey Barnes, the pair have quickly retracted their opening prediction.

Ahead of appearing on Monday Night Football this evening, which broadcasts Manchester United v Wolverhampton Wanderers tonight (kick-off 8pm), the Sky Sports Premier League Twitter account invited questions to Neville and Carragher.

Newcastle United fan @GingerPirlo_ asked “you both still think Newcastle will finish outside top 6?” Carragher was quick to reply with a blunt “no!”. The former England international’s change of heart has certainly amused Magpies supporters on social media.

Asked about Neville and Carragher’s initial verdict on Friday, Howe replied: “People will always write us off. I urge us all to come together and fight tooth and nail to prove people wrong.

‌“Me personally, not really, but if it fuels my players and supporters, I am for that. It is an emotion you can use. If I got motivated by those comments I would be swayed by positives from the same people. That is not right for me to be swayed by those people, unless they are my coaching staff.

‌“My ultimate is the fear of failure. Some people think that is negative but it has motivated me all my career. If we are overlooked that is fine, we can change people’s opinions.”