This is where Newcastle United will finish the Premier League season

Not many fans thought that that 13th-placed finish would be eclipsed under Steve Bruce when he was controversially appointed as Benitez’s managerial successor last summer.

Bruce’s side were 13th in the table with 35 points following a 1-0 win at Southampton when the Premier League was suspended last month due to the coronavirus pandemic. Opta have simulated the rest of the season using a wealth of data – and the results are interesting.

Newcastle are forecast to take another 11 points and end the season in 13th place with 46 points.

This season’s remaining fixtures, however, could yet get played on the field, and, in that case, it will be up to Bruce and his players to pick up where they left off at the St Mary’s Stadium last month.