Newcastle United have begun the Premier League season extremely strongly largely owing to their impeccable defensive record which is one of the league’s best. When the side was taken over by the Saudi development fund last year they were expected to disturb the traditional ‘big six’ within a few years but could they achieve that feat already this season?
As well as rarely conceding, Eddie Howe’s side is one of the most free-scoring teams in the league and their summer signings have been excellent additions.
Newcastle is now offered at 17/10 to finish in the top six, according to the Premier League odds from Paddy Power. Nick Pope was a smart acquisition from Burnley and has brought calmness and consistency between the sticks.
In addition, the permanent signing of former loan player Matt Targett has also been a success so far with the Englishman nailing down a spot at left wing back.
What do the predictions suggest?
As it stands, Newcastle is offered in the Premier League predictions at 15/2 to finish inside the top four and with the inconsistency of Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur this season it is certainly a potential outcome.
If Newcastle’s form continues then perhaps it could even be possible for UEFA Champions Football to return to St James’ Park next season.
After battling relegation at parts last season, the Magpies’ main focus will be to build stability and become a regular mid-table side in order to maintain their access to the Premier League’s lucrative revenue stream and continue to attract top footballing stars to the North East.
Young core for the Magpies
Newcastle has an extremely strong spine including the likes of Fabian Schar, Callum Wilson, and Joelinton, who has had a magnificent resurgence as a central midfielder.
Not only this but Allan Saint-Maximin is one of the absolute superstars and he has been supported by the fresh attacking talent that Newcastle’s new owners continue to bring in each window. It is clear that Newcastle has begun an upward trajectory the question is how quickly they can achieve their long-term targets and make waves in the footballing world.
The investment will certainly not stop anytime soon and the quality will continue to increase as Newcastle’s middle eastern owners seek to emulate what Manchester City has achieved in the past decade.
Can Newscastle replicate City?
City won a league title just four years after their takeover although in those times there was much more flexibility in terms of financial fair play.
Newcastle can replicate City’s short-term success as they have also signed superstars and appointed a fresh manager. Still, their expectations will be much lower and they perhaps will target European qualification in the short term rather than a highly unlikely league win.
The point is that new emerging teams with strong investments certainly can compete with the elite as the income they lack commercially can be subsidized by funds from the ownership.
The elite, which is backed by huge global fanbases, is heavily threatened by sides that are owned by some of the richest people in the world. In football, money is what allows the big clubs to maintain their status but it can also be a catalyst for the modern rebirth of a lesser club and this certainly looks to be the case for Newcastle.
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