Former Newcastle United player Chris Waddle says the Magpies are unlikely to finish in the Champions League places this season.
Paul Merson declared earlier this month that a top-four position is still very much on the cards. However, when asked whether he agreed with that assessment by BestBettingSites, Waddle claimed that the club’s continued participation in Europe could jeopardise their chances:
“I think the Premier League is very open this year. Arsenal have probably been the most consistent so far, and Manchester City are starting to put a decent run together. But realistically, I can’t quite see Newcastle finishing in the top four. As long as they’re still involved in the Champions League, I think that’s going to take its toll on them.”
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“We saw that at the weekend against [Sunderland]. It was a very disappointing performance from Newcastle and they looked leggy. We saw something very similar a couple of years ago when they were last in the Champions League. They put a huge amount into Europe, which is understandable and rightly so, but when it came to the league games, they suffered.”
“When you haven’t got one of the biggest squads in the league, especially in terms of experienced players, it’s very difficult to compete on both fronts. You can get away with it for a while, but over a season it catches up with you.”
Howe’s style of play relies on energy
Manager Eddie Howe’s success during his time at St James’ Park has relied on a high press, but fatigue does make this style of play a lot less effective.
As Waddle points out, the team has lacked energy in certain games, including the Tyne-Wear derby, and that has played a big role in the club’s inconsistent league form.
Newcastle’s injury situation is not helping matters
A bigger squad would certainly aid the Magpies in terms of competing on multiple fronts, but they are in the midst of an injury crisis, reducing the pool of players which can be selected.
Eight members of the first-team squad are currently on the treatment table, including Tino Livramento (knee), Lewis Hall (hamstring), Dan Burn (ribs), Will Osula (ankle), Kieran Trippier (hamstring), Sven Botman (back), Nick Pope (groin) and Emil Krafth (knee).
Read more about the Newcastle United First Team Squad for 2025/26 here