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Who should Newcastle United consider as rivals next season?

By Durim Halimi

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: Seamus Coleman of Everton and Ayoze Perez of Newcastle United battle for possession during the Premier League match between Everton and Newcastle United at Goodison Park on April 23, 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: Seamus Coleman of Everton and Ayoze Perez of Newcastle United battle for possession during the Premier League match between Everton and Newcastle United at Goodison Park on April 23, 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United aim to finish in the top ten next season and they will have plenty of competition in the process.

With Sunderland completely out of the picture, Newcastle United do not have a direct rival heading into next season. The absence of the Tyne-Wear derby did not bother the Magpies last season and it will not be a problem in the 2018-19 campaign either.

Without Sunderland, however, who will the Magpies consider as their rivals next season? This question can be answered in several ways as it is dependent on an individual’s opinion. With that being said, here are four clubs that I suspect Newcastle will perceive as their rivals next season.

Burnley

Burnley will be a dual rival for Newcastle next season. In comparison to the other top flight clubs, Burnley is the closest geographic rival for the Magpies. Only 138 kilometers separate St. James’ Park and Turf Moor and this will enable both sets of fans to travel and showcase their respective support.

Geography aside, Newcastle will look to take six points from Burnley as the Clarets enjoyed a top seven finish last season. Why does this matter? Well, it shows that Burnley were one place away from participating in the Europa League. Playing in a European tournament is Newcastle’s primary objective, but to achieve this goal the Magpies must slow Burnley down.

Leicester City

Leicester City makes it on this list as a result of the thrilling matches the two sides played last season. Both clubs claimed a victory over the other on the road and both matches were entertaining with 3-2 and 2-1 results.

Moreover, Leicester City finished last season one position ahead of Newcastle. Like with Burnley, if Newcastle wish to reach the top six they must leave Leicester City behind them. With Riyad Mahrez off to Manchester City, Leicester will be weaker in midfield, but they will still be difficult opponents.

Everton

Newcastle should be disappointed with their performances against Everton last season. Newcastle played horrible football and looked like a Championship side against Everton as the Toffees earned the double over the Magpies.

Newcastle must use those two 1-0 losses to Everton as motivation for earning six points next season. Moreover, Everton are just as hungry to finish in the top ten after finishing the last two seasons 11th and 13th. Everton will be another hurdle that Newcastle must overcome if they want to finish in the top ten.

West Ham

Finally, we arrive to West Ham. The Hammers made this list for two simple reasons. Firstly, Newcastle’s players did not appreciate West Ham’s recruitment effort to lure Rafa Benitez to manage their club. Any potential disruption of the Rafalution is not welcomed on Tyneside, especially if that disruption comes from London.

Secondly, West Ham also tried taking Jamaal Lascelles away from Newcastle. However, West Ham’s efforts fell flat as their offer of £20 million was immediately rejected. Their laughable offer for Lascelles is what should ignite Newcastle to dominate the matches against West Ham as the Hammers clearly underestimate Newcastle’s players.