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Newcastle United: Predictions for the 2018-19 Premier League campaign

By Durim Halimi

PORTO, PORTUGAL - JULY 28: Head coach Rafa Benitez of Newcastle gives instructions to his players during the pre-season friendly match between FC Porto and Newcastle at Estádio do Drago on July 28, 2018 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
PORTO, PORTUGAL - JULY 28: Head coach Rafa Benitez of Newcastle gives instructions to his players during the pre-season friendly match between FC Porto and Newcastle at Estádio do Drago on July 28, 2018 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images) /
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Opening day is right around the corner and Newcastle United are ready for a long and competitive Premier League campaign.

Newcastle United will host Tottenham at St. James’ Park on August 11th and the Magpies are eager to begin the new Premier League campaign. The unfortunate consolidation of a limited transfer budget and difficult schedule will not make life easy for Newcastle this season.

Rafa Benitez has stated that the Magpies’ primary objective is to avoid relegation, but this roster has the talent to achieve another top ten finish. Newcastle earned the respect of the league last season by surpassing all expectations while facing adversity.

It will be interesting to see how this roster continuity will work out for Newcastle in their second season in the top flight. Like the players, fans and pundits, the staff here at Newcastle Toons is also impatiently waiting for the season to begin. Here are some of our predictions for Newcastle United in the 2018-19 Premier League campaign.

Durim Halimi

Newcastle will look to build on their success from last season and I think they will. Seeing that Newcastle play the standard top six right away, I am expecting a rough start for the club. However, the booming atmosphere at St. James’ Park will provide the Magpies with true home-field advantage over opponents.

Success this season will be dependent on clinical finishing up top. Newcastle boast a strong defensive unit and an impressive midfield mixed with youth and experience. Therefore, the pressure will be on the front-line to avenge their wasted opportunities from last season. If Newcastle can score 50 goals and avoid more than ten losses, they will enjoy a top ten finish.

  • Top Goal Scorer: Ayoze Perez
  • Most Assists: Ayoze Perez
  • Most Improved Player: Christian Atsu
  • Player of the Year: Jonjo Shelvey

Predicted Table Finish: 9th (52 points)

Carson A Merk

It’s unfair to expect Newcastle United to come flying into this season as a juggernaut of exciting soccer. My guess is the Toon will have a similar approach to last season: win the match defensively and hope to capitalize on their chances.

Bringing back Kenedy was massive for the club and I think he will combine well with fellow newcomer Yoshinori Muto. I think Newcastle will slide back a bit in the standings but won’t have anything to be ashamed of.

  • Top Goal Scorer: Yoshinori Muto
  • Most Assists: Ayoze Perez
  • Most Improved Player: Ayoze Perez
  • Player of the Year: Jonjo Shelvey

Predicted Table Finish: 13th (44 points)

Declan Ryan

A strong spell near the end of last season saw Newcastle finish a very respectable 10th position, but I think the overall result clouded some of the Toon’s shortcomings both in attack and in the depth of the squad. Rafa Benitez clearly had a favoured starting XI last season, but with Florian Lejeune now injured, I think we could be in for a rough start, although much depends on how quickly Fabian Schar assimilates into Premier League football.

The Swiss international will have help from seasoned teammates Paul Dummett, Jamaal Lascelles and DeAndre Yedlin, and if those three can remain as solid as they did last season, then the defense should be just as stout during this campaign. So long as Rafa stays, I have a strong belief in Newcastle’s ability to become a little less defensive and evolve into a more fluid attacking side.

With fresh impetus from Yoshinori Muto and hopefully another new striker after the sale of Aleksandar Mitrovic, the Magpies’ attack could be far more potent. Most importantly, I want Newcastle to stay consistent this season. A lower mid-table finish would be perfectly acceptable so long as last season’s relegation scare is avoided. However, it is difficult to predict an easy ride for the Toon given their lack of spending in comparison to other Premier League sides.

  • Top Goal Scorer: Yoshinori Muto
  • Most Assists: Ayoze Perez
  • Most Improved Player: DeAndre Yedlin
  • Player of the Year: Jamaal Lascelles

Predicted Table Finish: 12th (47 points)