Former Newcastle United player Chris Waddle has backed Eddie Howe's side to finish in the top four of the Premier League this season after a stellar start to the campaign that has the Magpies third in the table.
The Toon Army have lost just once in the top flight this campaign, taking 30 points from their opening 15 matches of the season before the World Cup break. Contrastingly, Newcastle were in the relegation zone after the same amount of games last season, highlighting how impressive the job Howe has done has been.
Having signed off for the break with seven wins from eight league matches as well as being unbeaten since August 31, the World Cup has probably fallen at the worst possible time for the Magpies who won't have wanted to see their momentum halted.
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However, Waddle, who made 191 appearances for the Toon Army between 1980 and 1985, believes that his old side will secure Champions League football this term.
“They’re going into the unknown at the minute, but you’ve got to say they’ve been brilliant," Waddle told talkSPORT on behalf of FreeSuperTips.
“The work rate, the pressure and the way they’re playing at the minute everyone is playing to their capabilities. You wouldn’t really say there’s a weak link in the side at the minute and confidence is there for all to see.
“I was at the Chelsea game, and I know Chelsea are going through a sticky patch and don’t look very good but Newcastle did a job on them. They worked hard, made life difficult and didn’t let them settle on the ball. Eddie Howe’s done a great job, his signings have worked, he’s got the best out of players like Almiron and Joelinton.
“Fans if they’re honest would have been thinking why we have signed these players in the past few years. Joelinton by accident became a midfield player and is now relishing in that role. Almiron has been unbelievable in the past few months and Callum Wilson is finding his scoring touch which got him into the England squad.
“All over the park it’s difficult to identify a weakness where you think they could do with buying another player. If you’re going to compare the top four race, then you have to say they’re in a good position because they don’t have many midweek European games which can take a lot out of you. They can just focus on the Premier League and the cups, but as long as they’re in the top four then that will become a focus.
“It’s hard to say at the minute that they won’t finish top four but they’re going to have a blip at some point. They can’t keep playing the way they are, they’re going to have a dip at some point, and it’ll be how they come through that dip that seals it.
“I think they’ll definitely finish top six, and I wouldn’t go against top four, but I think there will be a few teams challenging in the second half of the season. They’re in there by merit right now, full of confidence, so there’s no reason why they can’t carry on.”
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