Newcastle United’s predicted Premier League finish - compared to Leeds, Everton and relegation rivals
Newcastle United are closing in on Premier League survival as they prepare to travel to Dubai for their second warm weather training camp of the season.
Eddie Howe’s side were firmly in the relegation mire as the Magpies struggled to shake off a dismal start to the season under former manager Steve Bruce.
United had collected just five points from their opening 11 games of the campaign when the former Bournemouth manager was confirmed as Bruce’s successor at St James Park.
A belated first win of the campaign came in Howe’s fourth game in charge as Callum Wilson grabbed the only goal of a tight and nervy affair against Burnley at St James Park.
A 1-0 win at Leeds United kickstarted an improved run of form and the formed part of a nine-game unbeaten run that took United out of the relegation zone and to within touching distance of a place in mid-table.
Recent defeats against Chelsea and fellow strugglers Everton may have left the Magpies looking over their shoulders and there is undoubtedly work still to be done when they return to action with a visit to Spurs on the first weekend of April.
That games kicks off Newcastle’s final nine games of an eventful season - but where will they sit in the Premier League table when the campaign comes to a close at Burnley in May?
With the help of the FiveThirtyEight ‘Soccer Power Index’, Newcastle World takes a look at the predicted final table.
1. 1st: Manchester City (91 points)
Pep Guardiola’s men have been in fine form throughout the campaign and they are expected to claim a fourth league title in five seasons.
2. 2nd: Liverpool (89 points)
The Reds have been in outstanding form of late but they are predicted to come up short in their bid for second Premier League title under Jurgen Klopp.
3. 3rd: Chelsea (80 points)
There are plenty of well-reported off-field issues at Chelsea - but that should not prevent them claiming a Champions League spot at the end of the season.
4. 4th: Arsenal (69 points)
A season of improvement from Mikel Arteta’s side is expected to be rewarded with a return to the Champions League after a six-year absence.