Talk of a return to European football has been widespread following Newcastle United’s impressive form in the first three months of the Premier League season.
Last weekend’s 4-0 home hammering of Aston Villa helped Eddie Howe’s side extend their unbeaten run to an eighth game and ensured the Magpies have only been beaten once in 14 games in all competitions so far this season. More intriguingly, the win over Villa also ensured United will head into Sunday’s long trip to Southampton sat in a top six place.
It is just under a decade since Newcastle played in a European competition as Alan Pardew’s Magpies side saw off the likes of Bordeaux, Club Brugge and Anji before succumbing to Portuguese giants Benfica in the last eight of the Europa League. But could the Magpies continue their impressive form and send supporters rushing for their passports?
NewcastleWorld utilises the newly-released Football Manager 2023 to predict what could lie ahead for the Magpies.
1. 20th: Nottingham Forest
Forest’s Premier League struggles were mirrored in the virtual world as they finished bottom of the league with just 30 points from 38 games. Manager Steve Cooper was sacked and replaced by Spaniard Paco Jemez with six weeks of the season remaining. Photo: Michael Regan
2. 19th: Brighton and Hove Albion
The Seagulls are flying in the Premier League but were crashing down to earth in the game as Albion finished three points adrift of safety. Dutch star Mark van Bommel took charge at the end of the season following the sacking of Roberto de Zerbi. Photo: Bryn Lennon
3. 18th: Crystal Palace
A final day defeat saw Palace condemned to the Championship after a season that saw Patrick Vieira, Shaun Derry and Bruno Lage all take charge at Selhurst Park. The latter departed just days after their relegation was confirmed. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
4. 17th: Bournemouth
The appointment of former Middlesbrough manager Chris Wilder inspired the Cherries to a remarkable escape from relegation with three wins in their last four game helping them finish on the right side of the dotted line. Photo: Michael Regan