The 2022/23 Premier League season has been a fantastic one for Newcastle fans to enjoy so far, and has been one of the best in a long time. Although a recent loss to Liverpool might have not been the result fans wanted, there have been plenty of other victories to celebrate.
All this has left the Toon riding high in the league table and seriously eyeing a top four spot. But can the team really make a decent challenge for Champion’s League football next season?
Newcastle tipped for a top four finish
A great place to look when weighing up the club’s chances are the online bookmakers. These sports betting platforms are experts at setting odds and giving a hint as to which teams could make the Champion’s League spots when the campaign finishes.
Current odds for Newcastle to finish in the top four are 6/4, which shows they are fancied to do so. If you want to put some money on the team or bet on any Premier League games they have coming up, finding the top sportsbooks online at bestbettingsites.com is worthwhile.
Eddie Howe and key players important
If the side can make a credible attempt for a top four finish this season, manager Eddie Howe will continue to be an important figure. There is no doubt that his tactics have enabled the side to thrive this year and play on the front foot. You do have to wonder, though, how the departure of top coach Mark Leyland to Man City come season end might change the feel around the club during the end of the campaign.
In addition to Howe, key players who have stood out for Newcastle this year will also be important. Sven Botman in defence has brought extra steel to the backline, for example, and will be key to helping the side finish as high up the table as possible.
Bruno Guimarães in midfield is another key man and his return from suspension should give the side a major boost. If Miguel Almirón can continue his excellent goal scoring form, and others like Alexander Isak or Allan Saint-Maximin can chip in too, then the signs are promising.
Fixture list could be secret weapon
With the Premier League season coming towards its climax, the remaining games Newcastle have to play could be key. While there are some tough opponents in there, the club’s run-in for the campaign is not too horrendous.
This includes home games against sides such as Leicester, Southampton and Wolves. If the team can improve their away form to take wins on the road against sides like Everton, Nottingham Forest and Leeds, then they should pick up enough points for a top four spot. To do this, though, results such as the recent 1-1 draw away at Bournemouth need to be avoided.
What issues will the team have to overcome?
Although it is possible for the side to clinch a top four finish this season, it will not be without its challenges. One of the most recent is the upcoming suspension of goalkeeper Nick Pope for a few games after his sending off against Liverpool. His absence could see the team dropping vital points in the games he does not play.
The other major challenge is being able to fight off the challenge from Tottenham and Manchester United for a place in the top four. With the experience both sides have of fighting it out at the top end of the table, this might not be so easy. You have to think that the two home games against them coming up in April will be important come season end.
Carabao Cup Final could prove pivotal
The upcoming 2023 Carabao Cup Final is an occasion all Newcastle fans are looking forward to. It could also prove key in terms of Newcastle grabbing a top four spot at the end of the season.
A victory over Manchester United in this game could give the Magpies an extra boost of confidence moving forward and inspire them to claim a top four place. It could also see United negatively affected in their own top four hunt by a defeat.
Of course, the reverse could also be true! If Newcastle lose the Carabao Cup Final, this could damage morale in the camp moving ahead. Any injuries to key players picked up in this match could also be a real blow.
Top four finish for Newcastle possible
Newcastle fans know what a great season the club has enjoyed overall so far this year and what a positive impact Eddie Howe has made. He has managed to not only tighten things up at the back but also get the attack firing on all cylinders. If the side can continue their good form, avoid injuries to key players and not run out of gas in the remaining fixtures, a top four finish is certainly on the cards.