Newcastle legend Alan Shearer says he is sticking by his prediction that his former club will finish in the top four this season.

Ahead of the new Premier League campaign, Shearer claimed that Eddie Howe’s side would end up in fourth position, with Manchester United fifth, Tottenham sixth, Aston Villa seventh and Chelsea in a lowly ninth. After three games, Shearer told Betfair that he hasn’t seen anything so far to change his opinion:

“I still think Newcastle could get into the top four, as I predicted at the start of the season, but I think because of the lack of signings, we’ll need so much luck. If we get the luck then perhaps, we could do it again, but if we don’t then I don’t see us getting into the top four.”

“I’ve been impressed with Aston Villa and the way they’ve started – I know they were beaten by Arsenal, but they were unlucky that day. They look really good, but they’ve got Champions League football as well to come.”

“Manchester United haven’t impressed me at all. I think I had them to finish fifth but I wouldn’t change anything with them moving higher at the moment, and Chelsea are still a spin of a coin. I had them in 9th at the start of the season, so I wouldn’t change too much in what I’ve said from what I’ve seen in the first few games of the season.”

Newcastle’s unbeaten start offers supporters hope

After a pretty terrible transfer window, most Magpies fans were rather downbeat heading into the new campaign. Most would have regarded Shearer’s initial top-four prediction as a very optimistic take.

However, Howe’s team have seven points from their opening three Premier League fixtures, sitting 5th as we head into the first international break.

They also negotiated their way through a difficult Carabao Cup tie against Nottingham Forest, sealing their passage into the third round after a penalty shootout.

Performances have not been convincing

While everyone will be happy with the results so far, some have been concerned by recent displays. They were played off the park at times against Spurs last weekend but they still managed to find a way to win.

As Shearer says, his former team may need a bit more luck if they are to maintain their strong start beyond the first few fixtures.

Find out who is in Newcastle United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here