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.
17. 4th: Chelsea
Raheem Sterling passed the 20-goal mark and got the only strike of their last day win over Newcastle United as Chelsea sneaked into the fourth and final Champions League spot. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
18. 3rd: Arsenal
Just as they are in the Premier League at present, Arsenal started the season in blistering form. But that tailed away after the World Cup Finals break and they had to make do with a third placed finish. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
19. 2nd: Liverpool
Liverpool were in consistent form throughout the season as Darwin Nunez produced an eye-catching first season at Anfield with 21 goals - but it wasn’t enough to land a second Premier League title. | AFP via Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
20. 1st: Manchester City
There was no stopped Erling Haaland or Manchester City as his 35-goal haul helped Pep Guardiola’s side end the season 12 points clear of Liverpool. City also landed a long-awaited Champions League title as Haaland’s brace gave them a 2-1 win against Real Madrid...who have now made a £124m bid for the Norway striker. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images