🦁 PL Previews: Howe will Newcastle crack Premier League's elite? | OneFootball

The richest club in the world embark on their first full season under their new owners.

Eddie Howe came in midway through last season and steered Newcastle away from the relegation zone, ending the season in impressive form and finishing in a respectable 11th. But expectations are sure to rise amongst the board and the supporters, is this the season the Magpies break into the Premier League elite?

Click here to see all of our season previews so far.

Transfers 🔁

In: Sven Botman (Lille, £31.9m), Matt Targett (Aston Villa, £15m), Nick Pope (Burnley, £10m)

Out: Freddie Woodman (Preston, £1m), Isaac Hayden (Norwich, loan), Jeff Hendrick (Reading, loan), Ciaran Clark (Sheffield United, loan), Dwight Gayle (Stoke, free)

Transfer balance: -£56m

Key fixtures 📆

🔑 Key player: Bruno Guimarães

Bruno Guimarães quickly became a fan favourite after his €30m move from Lyon in January.

The 24-year-old appears to already adapted to the Premier League, scoring five goals in his 17 appearances during the second half of last season.

The Brazilian brings an abundance of energy and dynamism to the Newcastle midfield and if the start of his Newcastle career is anything to go by, Howe might have one of the best up-and-coming all-round midfielders in the league on his hands.

What has changed since last season? 🤔

The expected transfer splurge on the footballing world’s mega stars hasn’t happened, yet. Instead, Newcastle have focused on smart recruitment at the back.

England goalkeeper Nick Pope joins to help a defence which conceded 62 goals last campaign, while Milan-linked centre-back Sven Botman comes in with the reputation as one of the most promising defenders in Europe.

There seems to be an intention to improve in attack, reports claim the club were close to signing Hugo Ekitike before he opted to join PSG, but as of now they will head into the opening day with the same forward line as last season.

Optimism is high at St James’ Park going into a new season for the first time in a long time. Whether there is enough firepower to turn a midtable team into one capable of threatening the European places remains to be seen.

Predicted XI 🔮

(4-3-3) — Pope; Trippier, Burn, Botman, Targett; Willock, Guimarāes, Joelinton; Almirón, Saint-Maximin, Wilson.

Where will they finish? 🏆

Premier League: 7th FA Cup: Fifth round EFL Cup: Fourth round

Click here to see all of our season previews so far.