Newcastle United are sinking - and fast. Consecutive Premier League defeats has sent alarm bells ringing around Tyneside louder than at any point during the Saudi-backed era.
There is no denying that the Magpies suffered a hangover from a hectic summer transfer window. However, Brentford - who put Newcastle to the sword on Sunday - have also been forced to rebuild in recent months.
The Bees lost their manager, captain and two main goalscorers to give Newcastle zero excuses for the weekend’s debacle. Fingers have been pointed at the manager, recruitment, the system and the hectic fixture for the recent downturn in form.
A quote often - some argue incorrectly - attributed to Albert Einstein reads: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results .” Using that logic, something has to change at St James’ Park.
Stat boffins Opta are now predicting a grim season - their worst under Saudi-backed ownership - for the Magpies. Take a look below to see where they expect Newcastle to finish and, most importantly, if this becomes reality, what would that mean for Eddie Howe’s future?
The final Premier League table has been predicted by a supercomputer...let's take a look
1. Premier League predicted by supercomputer
The final Premier League table has been predicted by a supercomputer...let's take a look | Getty Images
Predicted points - 90
2. 1st: Arsenal
Predicted points - 90 | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Predicted points - 86
3. 2nd: Manchester City
Predicted points - 86 | Getty Images
Predicted points - 72
4. 3rd: Liverpool
Predicted points - 72 | Getty Images