Following a stuttering start to 2023, Newcastle United now look back to their best - and once again have supporters dreaming of Champions League qualification.
As Eddie Howe’s side put their full focus into sealing the club’s first Wembley final in 24 years, the league form dipped as a result. The disappointment of losing the Carabao Cup final to Manchester United threatened to derail Newcastle’s Premier League season, but they’ve responded emphatically.
Since losing at Manchester City six days after the cup final, United have five games on the belt - beating Wolverhampton Wanders, Nottingham Forest, Manchester United, West Ham United and Brentford to further underline their top four credentials.
Newcastle currently sit third in the top-flight on 56 points, and there is a genuine belief Howe’s men can remain there until the campaign ends in May.
However, the race is expected to be tight. Fourth place Man United are level on points with Newcastle, while Tottenham Hotspur sit just three points behind in fifth, although have played a game more,
Which two teams will finish inside the top four behind Arsenal and Man City? Here’s what the ‘data experts’ FiveThirtyEight are predicting:
1. Southampton (20th) - 31 points
Current points total: 23 (+8)
2. Nottingham Forest (19th) - 33 points
Current points total: 27 (+6)
3. Leicester City (18th) - 34 points
Current points total: 25 (+9)
4. Everton (17th) - 35 points
Current points total: 27 (+8)