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.
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?
5. 16th: Fulham
The 15 goals of former Newcastle United striker Aleksander Mitrovic ensured the Cottagers fought a successful battle against relegation and kept Marco Silva in a job at Craven Cottage. Photo: Clive Rose
6. 15th: Southampton
The inspired January addition of Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton Diaz helped the Saints end the season clear of the relegation zone as the Chile international netted 12 times in just 16 appearances. Photo: Marc Atkins
7. 14th: Aston Villa
Former Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez was in situ at Aston Villa by the time they had ended the season nine points clear of the relegation zone. Photo: Alex Broadway
8. 13th: Leeds United
Patrick Bamford and Jack Harrison hit form as Leeds United ended the season within four points of the place in the top ten. Photo: OLI SCARFF