Predicted top half of Premier League and points totals – Looking good for Newcastle United | OneFootball

We have asked a number of Newcastle United fans some questions following the conclusion of the internationals.

This of course follows the triumph at Wembley and in advance of the return to action in the Premier League.

So we have asked some regular and irregular contributors to The Mag, some trophy winning and also aspiring to the Champions League questions.

Our thanks to all who have taken part.

Next up with his answers is Mark Jankowski:

Three words that come to mind now, having won that League Cup Final against Liverpool at Wembley?

Joy.

Relief.

Opportunity.

Which player most surprised you with how well he played in that final?

Dan Burn. It’s not like I was expecting him to play poorly, he’s been one of the standout players this season, but the level he played at against Liverpool was truly deserving of his England call-up.

Predict the results for the final 10 NUFC matches, what you think will happen?

Wednesday 2 April – Newcastle v Brentford Win

Monday 7 April – Leicester v Newcastle Win

Sunday 13 April – Newcastle v Man U Win

Wednesday 16 April – Newcastle v Palace Win

Saturday 19 April – Villa v Newcastle Draw

Saturday 26 April – Newcastle v Ipswich Win

Sunday 4 May – Brighton v Newcastle Lose

Saturday 10 May – Newcastle v Chelsea Win

Sunday 18 May – Arsenal v Newcastle Lose

Sunday 25 May – Newcastle v Everton Win

(ED: So that makes it seven wins, one draw and two defeats in the final 10 matches, which would see Newcastle United end the season on 69 points)

Which five players, in order, were key to that win at Wembley?

Dan Burn – A man-of-the-match performance and the all important opening goal, speaks for itself.

Tino Livramento – I had him as my most important player going into the game. He played his part perfectly in neutralising Liverpool’s attacking threats and his willingness to run beyond Barnes kept Quansah pegged back for the majority of the game.

Joelinton – Dominated the midfield physically and mentally. Liverpool were terrified of him.

Alexander Isak – He had a few fleeting sights of goal in the first half but his movement left the Liverpool defence unsettled throughout. His finish for the second goal gets better every time I watch it.

Sandro Tonali/Bruno – I’m cheating here but it was almost impossible to separate these two on the day. They were class in possession (Bruno’s late spin move the exception) and worked tirelessly out of it.

In what order do you think the top half of the Premier League table will finish?

I actually went through every team’s fixtures last week, so I do have points totals too. Chelsea v Forest on the final day is going to be massive.

Liverpool 93

Arsenal 83

Man City 72

Newcastle United 69

Nottingham Forest 68

Aston Villa 63

Chelsea 62

Brighton 59

Fulham 57

Bournemouth 55

Do you think winning the Carabao Cup will now help or hinder Newcastle’s chances of top five and a Champions League place?

It could honestly go either way.

I’m hoping that being the driven character Eddie Howe is, and the fact we possess several truly elite players now, that we will use the success to kick on, rather that kick back and relax.

Gun to the head, if only one of the two was to stay at Newcastle United this summer, would you keep Alexander Isak or Eddie Howe?

Wow, what a choice that is.

I think my answer would change depending on my current mood.

Today, I’m keeping Isak, but who knows how I’d feel tomorrow.

Howe gets the club, makes players better (so could in theory develop an Isak replacement) and won us a trophy, but other managers win things and develop players too.

Isak is the most in form striker in the league right now and has the talent to be the best on a consistent basis but Haaland still scores more and there are plenty of up and coming talents Howe could bring on.

The bizarre John Barnes reaction to Newcastle United winning the League Cup Final, was to declare that if losing the final 10 Premier League matches, Eddie Howe should be sacked. What is your reaction to what Barnes said?

I haven’t seen the full interview so I don’t know the full context of the quotes but if he lost the last 10 and finished 13th/14th he’d at least be under pressure. If we want to be an elite club we need to keep moving forward and not be content that we’ve finally won a cup. It’s a massive achievement don’t get me wrong but the journey can’t stop there.

The timing of the story is a bit jarring given we’re riding high, and it’s clearly been put out there to generate clicks, but I don’t think Barnes is a million miles out. To summarise, do I think Howe would be sacked… no, would he be on a very short plank come August… yes. Ultimately, I’m confident that we’ll secure a top five finish and Howe has the potential to be the next great PL manager.

Who are the eight current Newcastle United players, in order, who Newcastle United most need to keep for next season?

Isak