Premier League Club-By-Club Predictions: Is Newcastle due for a long-term stay in the top five? Why Eddie Howe and Co. could be in position to push for consistent Champions League berths

Could Newcastle become a consistent top-four/top-five finisher? While they missed out in 2023-24, the Magpies got back into such a position in 2024-25; can they continue to push for the top?

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After a bit of a down year in 2023-24, Eddie Howe was not only able to bring Newcastle United back to Europe, but he was also able to secure the Magpies a trophy, defeating Arne Slot’s well-oiled Liverpool machine in the Carabao Cup. 

Can 2024-25 be used by Newcastle as a foundation for consistent success? 

What Noah says:

For the second time in three seasons, Newcastle United will be playing Champions League football. The big question: can Eddie Howe ensure the club doesn’t struggle as much as they did in the season after their last Champions League qualification?

Playing Aston Villa and Liverpool in their first two matches does them no favours, and they only get a three-game respite before taking on Arsenal. The longest gap between matches against top sides is five games, which they only enjoy once in 2025-26. That could easily hinder any momentum the Magpies find in the campaign. 

While Newcastle United does have one of the hardest slates of the top-six sides, I don’t think the drop-off will be too big. They can win some of their top-six affairs, and they still have plenty of experience from their last European run in 2023-24. 

The big question for Newcastle will be whether they can survive the loss of Sean Longstaff and potentially Alexander Isak as well. I think they will suffer a little bit in the early going, but the Magpies’ experience will help them make up ground in the later stages of the season and secure European football for the second straight season.

Projected finish: 6th

What Ellie says:

Eddie Howe’s side will start their season off away at Villa Park, before hosting Liverpool at home in gameweek two. With the side also being in the Champions League this season, they will have to make sure their squad is fit and ready for the increased game loads.

They end the season with a fairly easy run, while they may be fighting for European places, this will show the strengths of the side and how much they are prepared to join the league's title fight. I believe they will have a successful season and find themselves in the top 4 come gameweek 38.

Projected finish: 4th

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Article written by Noah Guttman and Ellie Swain