2025 is behind us now so we’re looking ahead to 2026 to see what Newcastle United can realistically achieve this year.
Despite a poor second half of the year, we’d have to say 2025 was one of the best years in Newcastle United’s history thanks to that glorious Carabao Cup win.
Winning again would be TWICE as nice!
That first Carabao Cup win was special, but retaining the trophy would be even better. Which would mean more to you? 🤩
December was a tough month for the Magpies and Eddie Howe has come under some pressure, if not internally then definitely from the outside.
There are still reasons to be positive about Newcastle’s season, though, especially given the fixtures coming up in January. But beyond that, what can we expect from the Toon Army this year?
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What can Newcastle United do this year?
Cup run can lead to more silverware
Newcastle are into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, and there’s absolutely no reason they can’t go all the way and retain this trophy again in 2026. Obviously, getting past Man City will be tough, but Newcastle defeated Arsenal and Liverpool in last season’s competition.
If they do get through to the final, we fancy the Magpies to get the job done at Wembley. Then, there’s also the FA Cup to look forward to. Again, Bournemouth will be a difficult opponent in the third round, but we know Eddie Howe and co. can put together another cup run.
Given the current league position and the intense challenge of competing in the Champions League, securing another domestic trophy is going to be the only way for Newcastle to land more silverware this year.
Newcastle may have to settle for sixth place
Speaking of the league table, Newcastle’s hopes of Champions League qualification are so slim now. The Magpies are six points off the top four right now and don’t look consistent enough to be able to make up that ground.
PIF wanted a top five finish, but that may be beyond Newcastle, too. In truth, sixth may well be the best they can manage this season, and it wouldn’t be the end of the world.
Playing in the Champions League is brilliant and also generates a lot of money for Newcastle, but it’s clearly putting a strain on the team when it comes to their league performance. Perhaps a season in the Europa League would be a welcome reprieve, and could also be another great opportunity to win a trophy, too.
Convince me otherwise: Eddie Howe gave me my greatest day as a Newcastle fan but he has taken us as far as he can
DISCLAIMER: It's not all his fault, chaos behind the scenes and PSR does not help 😡
It’s time to upgrade on Eddie Howe
Away from the pitch, Newcastle will need to finally make a decision on whether to stick or twist with Eddie Howe. At present, PIF have no plans to sack Howe. But, come the summer, it may well be that a mutual parting of the ways is the best thing for everyone.
Right now, there are not really any viable options to properly upgrade on Howe. He’s still doing a great job at Newcastle and it would be a mistake to move on from him at this juncture.
However, regardless of what happens this season, the club should look to hire an elite manager in the summer who can take Newcastle to the next level.
Taking the next six months to plan that move and prepare Howe for the exit door would be shrewd and could be the best decision PIF has made during their tenure on Tyneside.
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