Newcastle United are a massive side that deserve to be among the elite in English football. Let’s look at the facts; they have a wonderful stadium, a top-class manager and a fanbase that is arguably the greatest in England.
Nonetheless, over the past ten years they have found themselves getting relegated to the second tier, not once, but twice. In truth, they should be too big a club to go down, but unfortunately for fans of the North-East side that has proved not to be the case.
However, they have managed to get return to the Premier League for this upcoming season and it will be more than just a little bit interesting to see how they do. Here is our preview…
Newcastle’s form
They went up as Champions last season after pipping Brighton to the trophy on the final day of the season. It was unexpected, as Brighton had led the title chase in the Championship for much of the closing months.
Throughout the league campaign, The Magpies looked like a side that were playing a few levels below their actual standard. They were quite simply too good for that league and are now back where they belong.
However, it will be worrying that the season before last, Rafa Benitez was unable to stop the rot at the club. He took them over for the closing stages of that campaign and still didn’t prevent relegation. He’s a great manager, but this proves that he is not a miracle worker.
Will he be able to do better this season is the question on many fan’s lips. He has had a season to get to know the club and the players and that extra experience will probably work in his favor as he aims to ensure Newcastle United remain in the Premier League.
News
Newcastle have been active in the transfer market, but haven’t made any massive marque signings. Thay have brought Christian Atsu to the club on a permanent basis, but he was already there on loan.
Several fringe squad members have departed and at the moment, it is looking like a frustrating summer for Rafa Benitez. Mike Ashley will have to put his hands in his pockets and supply the Spanish manager with some extra funds if The Magpies are to achieve their ambitions.
We would not be surprised to see Benitez be one of the more active managers as the transfer deadline grows closer.
Betting tips
Newcastle are a side that should be competing with the best in the league and even defeating them. They should be up around the European places, but indecisiveness in the transfer market could really cost them. The Championship is a much easier league and the players that got them promoted just won’t be good enough at this level.
Also, all of the other sides at their level seem to be improving their squads drastically. Both Brighton and Huddersfield have both smashed their transfer record already. Thus, we are tipping Newcastle to be relegated back to the Championship straight away at a price of 7/2 with Ladbrokes.
Unfortunately, we just don’t think they’ve found a squad that can keep them in the league.