It is less than a month until Newcastle United are back in competitive action as they welcome newly-promoted Southampton to St James’ Park on the opening weekend of the 2024-25 Premier League season.
The Magpies finished seventh last term but were denied a spot in the Europa Conference League following Manchester United’s victory in the FA Cup final at Wembley. Eddie Howe’s side qualified for the Champions League in their last campaign without European football and will be aiming to clinch a spot in some form of European competition come the end of the upcoming campaign.
Clubs are continuing with their transfer business with further deals expected to follow after the conclusion of Euro 2024 and Copa America. Newcastle have secured a permanent deal for last season’s loanee Lewis Hall while Lloyd Kelly has joined on a free transfer. John Ruddy and Odysseas Vlachodimos have also arrived to bolster the club’s goalkeeping department.
As clubs continue their transfer business, we have done the unenviable job of trying to predict how the Premier League table will look come May - and where Newcastle might finish compared to their rivals. Take a look...
9. 12th: Everton
Finished 15th last season after two points deductions. However, with Amadou Onana joining Aston Villa - they will struggle to break into the top half. | AFP via Getty Images
10. 11th: Bournemouth
Enjoyed an impressive season under Andoni Iraola and have made some shrewd signings so far that should keep them well away from the bottom three once again. | Getty Images
11. 10th: Crystal Palace
Enjoyed a strong end to the season under Oliver Glasner, which bodes well for the 2024/25 campaign. However, finishing in the top half will likely hinge on the futures of Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi with Michael Olise already departed. | Getty Images
12. 9th: West Ham
Finished ninth last season, but could struggle to better that under Julen Lopetegui due to the quality of sides above them. | Getty Images