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BBC predicts Newcastle United will be relegated

By Durim Halimi

HULL, ENGLAND - JULY 24: Newcastle player Jonjo Shelvey reacts during a pre-season friendly match between Hull City and Newcastle United at KCOM Stadium on July 24, 2018 in Hull, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
HULL, ENGLAND - JULY 24: Newcastle player Jonjo Shelvey reacts during a pre-season friendly match between Hull City and Newcastle United at KCOM Stadium on July 24, 2018 in Hull, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /
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BBC have released their prediction for the 2018-19 Premier League campaign and it does not look good for Newcastle United.

According to Phil McNulty, the Chief Football Writer at BBC, Newcastle United will have a poor season and are poised to conclude the 2018-19 campaign in 18th place. The other two clubs that McNulty tapped to go down with Newcastle are Watford (19th) and Cardiff (20th).

McNulty’s decision was primarily centered on the off-the-field politics on Tyneside. The relationship between Rafa Benitez and Mike Ashley has, once again, made summer headlines and for some pundits it could be sufficient to impact the club’s form. Moreover, McNulty went on to make the following analysis for BBC Sport:

"The only thing you can predict about Newcastle United is that a crisis is always just around the corner – and this is why I fear the worst for them this season.Manager Rafael Benitez and owner Mike Ashley are at odds once more and the Spaniard, no stranger to the game’s political manoeuvrings, has made his discontent clear while retaining the support of the Toon Army."

The key question that arises as a result of this prediction is whether or not McNulty is on the right track with his prediction. Of course, this prediction for BBC Sport is largely based on opinion, but one can still scrutinize that perspective.

Right or Wrong?

In simple terms, I think McNulty is making an ill-advised decision by picking the Magpies to go back down to the EFL Championship. There are a few reasons why I believe Newcastle will achieve top flight survival in comfortable fashion.

Firstly, even though football matches are not won on paper, it is quite evident that Newcastle boast a better roster than a handful of Premier League clubs. It is worth noting that a better roster does not guarantee success in football as a wide range of factors can impact results, but Newcastle’s proper balance of youth and experience will aid them in avoiding relegation.

Secondly, Newcastle earned a top ten finish last season with a mediocre team sheet and now the Magpies have added seven quality players. The addition of seven new players now provides Newcastle with more depth and internal competition. Furthermore, Rafa Benitez’s side will be largely unpredictable for most opponents as he can deploy a new starter in every position.

Finally, Newcastle are a young club on the rise under the guidance of the experienced Spaniard. A squad comprised of young players with plenty of potential to succeed in the Premier League creates urgency and motivation. Newcastle know it will be difficult to replicate their success from last season, but they are hungry enough to try and build on their positive form.

To compare  predictions, read the predictions our staff made for the 2018-19 campaign here.