Rotherham United manager Alan Stubbs believes that Newcastle United are clear favourites to earn promotion into the Premier League this season.
Newcastle United spent no less than £50 million to sign a host of quality players during the summer and given the lavish splurge, many felt that the Magpies would be running away with the Championship title this season.
Things have not quite turned out to be as easy for Newcastle as they have suffered a number a setbacks already but the stunning 4-3 victory over Norwich City at St. James’ Park on Wednesday night has given the Tyneside based outfit a new lease of life in their title ambitions.
Now Newcastle prepare to square off against Rotherham United on Saturday and Rafael Benitez’s men should head into the clash as overwhelming favourites.
Rotherham boss Alan Stubbs has been speaking ahead of the clash and has stated his belief that Newcastle are now odds on favourites to claim promotion, before adding that he is relishing the opportunity to pit his wits against Benitez.
Stubbs told the Chronicle, “It’s me pitting my wits against a Champions League winner. There’s the Liverpool and Everton rivalry as well. I’ve come across Rafa on a few occasions and he’s a really nice guy; very humble, very intelligent.”
“You only have to listen to some of his ex-players talk to know that, tactically, he’s a fantastic manager. I’m hoping on Saturday he doesn’t get his tactics right and I get mine right. It’s great. This is what it’s all about,”
“I don’t think anyone could have envisaged the likes of a Newcastle coming to New York Stadium this season, because everybody would have thought they’d be a Premier League club.”
“When a team’s spent over £50M on players just this season, I think that tells you what their aspirations are. They’ll be there or thereabouts. I think they’re everybody’s favorites to go up this season. I can see why.”
