Darren Ambrose has backed Newcastle United as potential title contenders this season. As it stands, the Magpies head into the World Cup break sitting third in the Premier League and seven points off top spot.
Just one defeat all season - a controversial defeat to Liverpool in August - has raised expectation levels on Tyneside. Optimism at the start of the campaign over a top-ten finish has cooled as European football becomes a serious possibility.
Arsenal are the only top-tier club to set the world alight this season as Mikel Arteta has his side five points clear - losing just once in 2022-23. The inconsistency of other clubs has led some to believe Newcastle could cause an upset akin to Leicester City in 2015-16.
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Former midfielder Ambrose is one of those, who paid tribute to Toon supporters for enduring 14 years of Mike Ashley. Speaking to talkSPORT, the 38-year-old tipped his old club for a title charge.
“They just love having their football club back,” Ambrose said. “They are proud to support their football club. You see St. James' Park, the atmosphere is outstanding because they've got their club back.
“They've had bad times over the last 10-15 years and now they can support something. But I have to call it as I see it, and they won't like me saying this because they like going under the radar, I feel they can be in for a title challenge.”
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