Newcastle United. Last Season’s Finish: 16th. Expectations: Top 10. Predicted Finish: 9th.
Their main objective this summer was to find a replacement for Demba Ba who left the club in January, and they have done so by signing Loic Remy on loan from QPR with a view to buy next summer. Remy will be a nice complement to Papiss Cisse who failed to regularly deliver last season. The Toon are not a bad side, they were burdened last season by a lack of squad depth and regular European competition, resulting in an increased fixture list and an extraordinary amount on injuries.
They brought in several players in January to add depth, and the influx of players into the first team brought no fluidity too their play, but now with a full pre-season together they should’ve gelled well together, not to mention they still have quality players such as Yohan Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa in midfield. I expect a bounce back season for Newcastle and a Top 10 finish is not out of reach.
Key Player: Hatem Ben Arfa will not only need to stay fit and healthy all season long which is a rarity, but produce consistently. We say moments of brilliance like the goal against Aston Villa, we need more of this, he has so much talent, he needs to just display it on a regular basis.