Newcastle Utd 2013-14 Preview

Best odds to finish top six: 16/1 (Ladbrokes)
Last season: 16th

Reasons for hope:

Many of the same players remain, as well as the manager, from the season before last when a fantastic 5th placed finish was achieved. Pardew has been able to keep hold of all his main men so far this summer; Coloccini, Cabaye, Ben Arfa and Cisse form an excellent spine if they all stay fit. The arrival of Loic Remy on loan could also be pivotal.

Potential bet: Newcastle top league goalscorer - Loic Remy: 10/3 (StanJames)

Reasons to worry:

Tempting to simply say, because it’s Newcastle. You never know what’s coming next from the Magpies and the appointment of Joe Kinnear as director of football incensed many. The disgruntled members of the Toon Army point to the fact that the club finished 16th last term, avoiding relegation by only 5 points, yet have hardly added any fresh blood.

Potential bet: Next manager to leave his post - Alan Pardew: 3/1 (Skybet)

Verdict:

I have a sneaky feeling that things are about to get better on Tyneside again just as the vultures are beginning to circle. A top-10 finish at 13/8 (Coral) seems highly plausible.