Neil Warnock believes Newcastle United will shock the Premier League and clinch a European spot this season. Optimism on Tyneside ahead of a new season has rarely been higher, with the £300million Saudi-backed takeover generating excitement among supporters.
The Magpies have not qualified for Europe since 2011-12 when Alan Pardew claimed fifth place - the highest finish under Mike Ashley. Eventual finalists Benfica knocked Newcastle out at the quarter-final stage the following season and Toon supporters’ passports have been gathering dust ever since.
However, former Middlesbrough manager Warnock - who called time on a 55-year career in April - has backed Eddie Howe’s men to upset the apple cart. The 73-year-old thinks Newcastle will nick sixth spot, ahead of Manchester United.
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Pep Guardiola is tipped to retain his Premier League crown at Manchester City, whereas Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea complete Warnock’s top four. Arsenal are the final side predicted to finish above Newcastle.
Debate quickly sparked over his comments on social media. One Newcastle fan wrote: “No chance we get 6th with our current squad Neil”, provoking a response from a fellow Toon supporter.
@Sandancer1997 replied: “I disagree. We were in top-four form for all of the second half of last season. We’ve improved our starting XI and we will do more.
“Man Utd look catchable and Arsenal are mentally weak. We battered them at St James’ Park in May. Nothing to fear about (with) Arsenal or Man Utd, we can challenge both.”
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