Where will NUFC finish?
If you can’t be optimistic in the summer, when the sun is shining, the flowers are in full bloom, and you’re only behind Man City due to alphabetical order, then you’ll never be optimistic.’ I’ll go with a lofty 17th.
Who will be NUFC’s stand-out performer?
Callum Wilson.’ I like everything about him.’ A proper, bustling, hard centre forward who will love the No.9 shirt, and will love playing in front of the fans.’ He even talks about himself in the third person and still comes across as a top man.’ I’d love him to get at least 15 goals this season but his value to the team is more than just his goals: his link-up play doesn’t get enough credit, and he tires defenders out ‘ freeing St. Max, and (in theory at least) Almiron, to be creative.’ Of course, this is a massive season for Almiron too: probably his last chance to show that he has what it takes to perform consistently at this level.’ I’m not counting on it.
New Online – Scott Robson on the so far underwhelming Emile Krafth and how Bruce can get him performing. Possibly. https://t.co/VGQJOkcFyi #NUFC
— True Faith: Newcastle United Fanzine and Podcast (@tfNUFC) August 4, 2021
Will Bruce see out the season?
Sadly, yes.’ He’s grateful to be here, he won’t rock the boat, and he’s cheap.’ He’s Ashley’s dream manager.’ There were three defeats last season (Brentford, Sheff Utd, Brighton away) which were sackable offences.’ Bruce survived those, so I don’t see him losing his job this season either.’ Yes, we finished last season strongly (for which Bruce deserves some credit) but that doesn’t mean Ashley was right to keep him on.’ It just confirmed what we already knew ‘ Ashley is a gambler, and prefers the danger of a relegation scrap to the prospect of a competent, progressive football club.’ Bruce, therefore, is his man.
Who will be PL champions?
Man City again.’ Aguero is gone, but they stopped being reliant on him last year anyway (and their attacking options are frightening).’ The centre-back pairing of Dias and Stones is only going to become even more solid ‘ both are young and still improving.’ Guardiola is now building his third great City side.’ I will enjoy watching them a lot more than watching us.
Who will be relegated?
Despite the fact I’ve picked us to finish 17th, I actually can’t see three teams worse than us.’ I just hope they exist.
YOUSEF HATEM – @yousef_1892
