Newcastle United will be a much more dangerous proposition in the Premier League next season and can return to challenging for the European places, according to former Wolves and Sunderland striker Don Goodman.
The Magpies struggled to cope with the rigours of playing extra Champions League matches last term, with Eddie Howe's side racking up 58 games in total across all competitions. That saw a slump in form in the final third of the season, with United finishing in a disappointing 12th place in the Premier League.
By contrast, Manchester United played only 40 games all campaign, and despite a slow start to the season under Ruben Amorim, they kicked on when Michael Carrick replaced him in the Old Trafford hotseat to finish in third place. That meant a return to the Champions League for the Red Devils, with Newcastle failing to qualify for Europe and therefore having a much clearer schedule for the coming season.
Lighter Schedule Key to Success
That's something that can benefit them when it comes to challenging for the top spots, says Goodman, who feels we will see a return of the intensity Howe's sides are famed for.
He told sports betting site talkSPORT Bet: “100 per cent, we will get a much better Newcastle United. Look at Manchester United this season, no European football meant their players stayed fresh, and it allowed them to go and finish third.
"Look at where they were the season before, down near the bottom with Tottenham around 15th or 16th. It's a massive improvement, and it proves that a lighter schedule makes a massive difference.
Intensity and Fan Support
“We've spoken before about the sheer difficulty of juggling European football while trying to maintain your Premier League form, and Newcastle really felt that toll last season.
"When Eddie Howe's Newcastle play well, it’s because of the incredible energy they generate and the lift they get from those passionate supporters. It's unbelievable to watch when they are truly on it, but they just weren't on it often enough last year. With a free midweek, I would expect them to be much, much better.
“So I fully expect them to be fresh, intense, and right back up there challenging amongst the European places.”
Season Opener and Early Fixtures
Newcastle's season gets under way on August 23 when they host Liverpool at St James' Park, with the second round of the Carabao Cup to follow in the midweek. They will then head to Tottenham, and a reunion with former midfielder Sandro Tonali, before kicking off September with a home match against Bournemouth.
