Jamie Carragher has rubbished suggestions that Newcastle United could break into the top six this season. In 2021-22, the Magpies finished nine points behind sixth-placed Manchester United - despite failing to win any of their opening 14 games.
Eddie Howe continues to play down his season objectives publicly but optimistic Toon supporters cannot help but get carried away. Level-headed fans have targeted a top-half finish and a cup run, with Tyneside starved of domestic success since 1955.
Breaking into English football’s elite provides a daunting task given the monopoly they have held on the Champions League places. Newcastle have already found it difficult in the market to attract players without the lure of European football.
