BBC Sports’ main man Phil McNulty has released his Premier League predictions ahead of the 2021/22 season, backing Steve Bruce’s Newcastle United to finish in 14th.
He believes that we can ‘look a decent side’ if we keep Wilson and Saint-Maximin fit – also believing Willock’s return will ‘lift spirits’ – however he feels it’s vital that Bruce starts well to keep returning supporters from turning on him at St James’ Park.
Elsewhere, the BBC Sports’ Chief football reporter is backing Man City to win the title, Liverpool to finish second, Norwich to stay up and Burnley to join Brentford and Watford in suffering relegation back to the Championship.
Here’s his comments on the season ahead for Newcastle United, along with his final Premier League table in full:
14. Newcastle United
Last season – 12th
Any prediction involving Newcastle is always an adventure and this season is no different.
Steve Bruce took them to a respectable 12th place last time despite having little faith from the Toon Army, and Newcastle actually looked a decent side when striker Callum Wilson and flying French winger Allan Saint-Maximin were fit.
Joe Willock, a resounding success on loan from Arsenal, is also back to lift spirits. But with supporters back inside St James’ Park, Bruce needs good results early to keep the wolf from the door – even if he appears to still retain strong support from owner Mike Ashley.
- Man City
- Liverpool
- Chelsea
- Man Utd
- Leicester
- Tottenham
- Arsenal
- Aston Villa
- West Ham
- Everton
- Leeds
- Wolves
- Southampton
- Newcastle
- Crystal Palace
- Brighton
- Norwich
- Burnley
- Brentford
- Watford
How do you see us getting on this season? Let us know in the comments below!