Opta make fresh Premier League table prediction - shock results for Newcastle United
Football analytical boffins Opta expect Newcastle United to finish sixth in the Premier League this season.
In a world where statistics dominate the football agenda, British gurus Opta emerged as the leading stat geeks in an increasingly crowded field. An official Premier League partnership - as well as the internet explosion - saw them become a trusted source for everything you never needed to know about the beautiful game.
Now an Opta-powered supercomputer has predicted how the league table will pan out come May - after just six games. And for Toon supporters, the results, if they turn out to be true, will likely ensure European football next season.
That feat would meet Yasir Al-Rumayyan’s expectation for 2024-25 and see Eddie Howe stay in the St James’ Park hot seat for another year. Opta give Newcastle a 20.1 per cent chance of finishing sixth.
Interestingly, they give the Magpies a slightly better shot (21.6 per cent) of placing fifth, but Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are backed as being more probable to finish there. Aston Villa, owing to their Champions League commitments, rank seventh in Opta’s estimate.
Interestingly, Manchester United have been tipped for their worst-ever Premier League season - by ending up in ninth spot. Potential variables include whether Red Devils chiefs will stick with under-fire boss Erik ten Hag.
For those optimistic supporters, Opta give Newcastle a 0.1 per cent chance of winning the title for the first time since 1927. The data nerds give the Magpies as much a chance of finishing 15th or lower - a reality that would almost certainly result in Howe losing his job.
Do you agree with the list? NewcastleWorld has profiled how Opta predict the Premier League table will pan out in full.