Newcastle United are set to attack a Premier League and Champions League campaign.
A supercomputer has backed Newcastle United to finish between fourth and sixth in the Premier League next season.
Champions League qualification for the second time in three years has added further fixture demands for the Magpies. Two years ago, European football disrupted Newcastle’s season as Eddie Howe faced an unprecedented injury record.
Toon chiefs will be better placed to prepare although they are yet to make a breakthrough in the transfer market. All factors considered, NewcastleWorld has asked AI tool Grok to predict how the Magpies will fare next season - here are the results.
Intro
Predicting where Newcastle United will finish in the 2025-26 Premier League season is tricky since we don’t have a crystal ball, and football is full of surprises. However, I can give you a reasoned estimate based on their recent performance, current squad, and other factors, while keeping it grounded in what’s known up to June 22, 2025.
Newcastle had a strong 2024-25 season, finishing fifth in the Premier League, securing Champions League qualification, and winning the Carabao Cup, their first domestic trophy in 70 years. Eddie Howe’s side showed resilience, collecting 46 points in their last 22 matches, outperforming most teams in the second half of the season. Key players like Alexander Isak, who was nominated for the PFA Players’ Player of the Year, and Bruno Guimarães have been pivotal, with a solid defensive unit led by Sven Botman and Nick Pope. For 2025-26, Newcastle’s prospects hinge on several factors:
Squad Strength
Their core is strong, but Howe has noted the squad’s “shallow quality,” which could be stretched by the demands of Champions League football. Reinforcements in the transfer window (e.g. rumoured interest in players like Zubimendi or Sesko) could boost their competitiveness, but no confirmed signings are noted yet.
Schedule
They start with tough fixtures (Aston Villa away, Liverpool at home, Leeds away) and face the added strain of Champions League matches. The Premier League has warned of potential fixture rescheduling due to nine English clubs in European competitions, which could test squad depth.
Competition
Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Tottenham are also in the Champions League, with Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, and Nottingham Forest in other European competitions. Newcastle’s ability to compete with these sides, especially after their inconsistent start last season, will be key.
Momentum
Their late-season form and trophy win suggest confidence, but maintaining that over a congested season is a challenge. Historical comparisons (e.g. strong runs under Keegan and Robson) show they can punch above their weight, but sustaining title-contending form is tough.
Fan sentiment on X is optimistic, with some predicting a top-three finish if investments are made, though others see a top-six placement as realistic given the tough start. Pessimistic voices from earlier in 2024 doubted a top-six finish, but Newcastle’s actual performance proved them wrong.
The Opta supercomputer was spot-on for 2024-25, predicting Newcastle’s fifth-place finish in 16.3 per cent of simulations. While no specific 2025-26 predictions are available, their recent form suggests they’re capable of challenging for a top-five spot again. However, the Premier League’s competitiveness and Newcastle’s European commitments make a title challenge unlikely, with a 0.1 per cent chance last season unlikely to rise dramatically.
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Prediction
Considering their current trajectory, squad, and challenges, Newcastle United will likely finish in the 4th to 6th range in the 2025-26 Premier League season. A top-four finish is possible if they strengthen their squad and manage injuries well, but dropping to sixth is also realistic if the Champions League proves too taxing. A title push, while not impossible, seems a step too far given the dominance of teams like Liverpool and the spending power of Arsenal, City, and Chelsea.
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