Newcastle legend Alan Shearer expects his former club to finish fifth in the Premier League table this season.

Writing in a Q&A for The Athletic, the league’s all-time top scorer predicts that Manchester City will win the title, with Arsenal runners-up once again:

“1. Man City. 2. Arsenal. 3. Liverpool. 4. Manchester United. 5. Newcastle. I think Pep with his hunger and drive will get City firing again. Arsenal haven’t spent all that money to finish fifth, but I think they will [finish runners-up]. Do they have enough options up front?”

“I think Liverpool will outscore other teams going forward even if they have to improve a lot at the back. Manchester United, I think they’ve done decent business. I also hope I’m wrong and a team in black and white pips them to the top four.”

Fifth is likely to be enough for the Champions League

It should be noted that the expanded format for the 2024/25 edition of the Champions League means there are two extra places up for grabs in the group stages of the tournament.

Two countries will get a place if their teams collectively perform the best in UEFA’s three competitions this season. In other words, if English clubs do well in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League, fifth spot in the Premier League could be sufficient for Champions League football in 2024.

We will find out which countries get the spots as this year’s European competitions unfold between now and May.

Can Newcastle maintain their form from last season?

Finishing fourth was a massive achievement for manager Eddie Howe and his team, but the additional pressures of European football will inevitably put a strain on their form domestically.

The Magpies need a squad strong enough to cope on multiple fronts and, while the club have brought in three new recruits this summer, Howe is hoping for one more before the transfer window closes.