Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher discussed Newcastle's Premier League hopes for the coming season
Gary Neville speakling on Sky Sports
Gary Neville speakling on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football
Newcastle United's inability to match the so-called Premier League big six when it comes to transfers could cost them a Champions League spot next season, according to Gary Neville.
The former Manchester United and England star gave his Premier League predictions for the new season alongside fellow pundit Jamie Carragher in Sky Sports' first Monday Night Football programme of the campaign. The pair predicted how the top five would look come May, with Newcastle's fortunes up for discussion.
Eddie Howe was left frustrated after missing on on key transfer targets such as Bryan Mbeumo, Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko over the course of the last few months, although has been delighted to land Anthony Elanga, Aaron Ramsdale, Malick Thiaw and Jacob Ramsey.
The club are still in the market for at least one, if not two, strikers before September 1 and deadline day, but Neville feels financial restrictions from PSR which Newcastle and Aston Villa have faced, mean they are still a step behind some of the more established sides, and that could impact the coming season.
“Newcastle and Villa, I really liked last season," Neville said. "I just feel the PSR is killing them a bit in terms of being able to invest freely,” he said.
“I think they will have a good season. I think they’ll do OK. I don’t think they’ll have that spark to get into fifth and into the Champions League and into fourth.
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“I think Manchester United are the one team that can break into that group, more than Newcastle, Spurs and Villa because they haven’t got European football. I do think it will be a big advantage to Manchester United.”
Former Liverpool defender Carragher felt the one advantage Newcastle may have could come if they exit the Champions League after the group stage. United will play eight games in the new-look competition this season, with only the top 16 making the knock-out stages.
"You don’t drop into the Europa League anymore if you don’t make the cut in the Champions League," he said. "I’m not sure Newcastle and Spurs will have too much European football after Christmas.”
Looking at the bigger picture, Neville feels it will be a close title battle, adding: “I couldn't separate Arsenal, Manchester City or Liverpool. I think they're absolutely all in with an equal chance of winning it. Arsenal have been consistent over the last three years, they've been second. I do feel they'll get there at some point.
“Liverpool, the two full-backs have got to settle in. They look a little bit open. They are going to be exhilarating to watch. They're going to score a lot of goals.
“City have an unbelievable spine. I went for the team I've been going for the last three years, they're reliable and solid and consistent, which is important. They just have to sort that forward bit of the pitch out and I think Viktor Gyokeres will.”
Carragher was more confident of Liverpool defending their title, if they address some issues at the back.
“What I saw in the Community Shield, I didn't think I'd see on Friday night," he said following Arne Slot's side's 4-2 win over Bournemouth. "I'm sure the manager has been speaking to the players in pre-season [about vulnerability] on the back of the Milan game, the Community Shield and to see it in three high profile games that did worry me a little bit.
“But if Liverpool fix that they have great firepower. A few days ago, I thought Arsenal would be Liverpool's biggest challengers.
“But the way they played at Man Utd was typical Arsenal of last season - the name of the game is winning games - it will be interesting over the next few weeks if we see them open up more, create more chances and see how they've evolved from last season. I was really impressed with Manchester City and I think it's Manchester City who might be Liverpool's closest challengers.”
Carragher and Neville’s predictions in full:
Winner: Liverpool (Carragher) | Arsenal (Neville)
Top 4: Man City, Arsenal, Chelsea | Man City, Liverpool, Man Utd
5th: Newcastle | Chelsea
6th: Spurs | Newcastle
Surprise European Contender: Man Utd | Forest
Relegated: Wolves, Sunderland, Burnley | Leeds, Burnley, Wolves
Danger Zone: West Ham | Brentford
Top Scorer: Haaland | Haaland