Eddie Howe’s Newcastle are sitting third in the Premier League table with 30 points. It is the club’s best start to a season since the 1995-96 campaign, a season which saw them finish second and come within touching distance of claiming the Premier League title.
Our Newcastle United writers Miles Starforth and Dominic Scurr assess the opening 15 matches of the season and highlight the key players, moments and matches witnessed so far...
17. Miles predicts where Newcastle could finish
Miles’ view: Certainly, a top-six finish looks realistic. And if United continue to over-achieve, and others, burdened by the midweek demands of European football, under-achieve, then the club, third at present, could mount a sustained challenge for a Champions League place. | Getty Images
18. Dominic predicts where Newcastle United could finish
Dominic’s view: At the start of the season, I predicted Newcastle to finish eighth. Based on the opening 15 games, finishing eighth would be seen as a big disappointment as it would require a significant drop in form from Eddie Howe’s side. Champions League football is probably the best Newcastle can hope for this season and there’s no reason why they can’t get it based on what we’ve seen so far. But I’d expect Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur to push for those Champions League places. A top seven finish minimum for Newcastle this season but I’d back them to at least equal their fifth placed finish from the 2011- 12 season based on what they’ve shown so far. | Getty Images