BBC Sport have been looking forward to the new 2026/27 Premier League season.
Phil McNulty is the chief football writer at BBC Sport and he has given his considered opinion on the 20 clubs contesting this upcoming campaign.
It is only an opinion of course…
Interesting though to read outside opinions, stepping outside our own endless internal debates within the NUFC fanbase.
So what does the BBC Sport main man predict this time…
The BBC Sport chief football writer’s predicted 2026/27 final table and then the explanation on Newcastle United from Phil McNulty – 19 August 2026:
Arsenal
Man City
Liverpool
Chelsea
Man U
Villa
Tottenham
Forest
Brighton
Brentford
Palace
Newcastle United
Everton
Bournemouth
Leeds
Fulham
Sunderland
Coventry
Ipswich
Hull
‘2026/27 prediction – Newcastle United to finish twelfth
Last season: Twelfth
Phil McNulty saying: “There has been trauma on Tyneside this summer. Some of their best players – sold. The manager who brought the first domestic trophy for 70 years – gone. So, a challenging job awaits for new man Matthias Jaissle. The momentum has gone out of the Saudi Arabian project with the departures of Eddie Howe, Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes from St James’ Park. Uncertainty and instability reign.”
The BBC Sport main man going on to say: “Newcastle failed to land many of their top transfer targets, although Lukas Hornicek has arrived from Braga to address the goalkeeping problem, while midfielder Aladji Bamba is rich in promise after arriving from Monaco. The same applies to Dutch midfielder Sean Steur, the 18-year-old signed from Ajax, and 20-year-old Bazoumana Toure, the Ivory Coast winger who has joined from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim. Defender Amar Dedic has arrived from Benfica, having worked with Jaissle when winning the Austrian title with Red Bull Salzburg in 2023.”
Phil McNulty ending with: ‘An experienced midfielder is key, with Tonali and Guimaraes gone, and Joao Palhinha has been mentioned after a deal for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg failed to materialise. Jaissle needs a good start – and more players – to settle the Toon Army’s nerves.’
Nico Gonzalez is now said to be a midfield target, Tuesday night seeing a media exclusive that Newcastle United are in talks with Manchester City.