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Can you believe the Premier League season is just over a week away? Nobody is perhaps fearing the season opener more than the Newcastle United boardroom.
It has been - to put it mildly - a disastrous summer for the Magpies. Eddie Howe called for swift action in May but he has watched on as Newcastle struggle from one deal to another.
A month remains of the transfer window for United to get their act together ahead of a Champions League season. But any incomings - aside from sole addition Anthony Elanga - will struggled to get bedded in before the Premier League opener.
With an Alexander Isak transfer saga also unfolding, Newcastle find themselves in a bit of a pickle. Few could have predicted the chaos when the Magpies ended the 2024-25 season on a high with Champions League qualification.
On an exciting note, Newcastle also have the small matter of renewing their hostilities with bitter rivals Sunderland. The Black Cats are set to embark on their first top-flight adventure since 2016-17.
Both clubs expect to be competing at different ends of the table come May but come head-to-head on December 13 on Wearside. Courtesy of our sister title SussexWorld, a supercomputer has predicted where Newcastle will finish.
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13. 8th: Man Utd
The Red Devils are tipped for major improvement but 8th would still represent a disappointment for the Red Devils | Getty Images
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14. 7th: Tottenham
Spurs are tipped to improve their 17th place finish from last season in their first campaign under Thomas Frank | Getty Images
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15. 6th: Aston Villa
Unai Emery's men are being tipped for another close finish to the Champions League spots while just missing out | AFP via Getty Images
16. 5th: Newcastle United
The Magpies are forecast to finish in the top five again, it will not be confirmed until later in the season if fifth place will be a Champions League spot again | Getty Images