Prediction - Newcastle

I'm expecting decent things of Newcastle this season. Despite a spendthrift new regime, Big Sam has bought some top quality players - Newcastle finally have the defence they've needed since 1992, and the strikeforce has only become better with the purchase of Mark Viduka, giving the side the Alan Shearer replacement it needs. Something that might be key to getting into Europe is the flexibility of Geremi and Alan Smith; both players can deputise for Joey Barton when he's injured or incarcerated. Buying in two strikers seems a strange thing, but with Michael Owen's injury problems and the continual rumours surrounding Oba Martins, it may prove wise.

Big Sam's biggest challenges, other than clearing a Full English three times a day, are to ensure that the chaotic injury crises of the past few years is resolved, and that idiotic thugs like Dyer, Bowyer and Bellamy are managed properly - buying one in in Joey Barton is a risk; providing he stays out of jail he should perform well. Shipping out the worst defender ever (Titus Bumble) can only be a good thing - his newlook defence needs to gel around the promising Steven Taylor, providing the passionate Geordie lynchpin to the side. There are a lot of good youngsters at the club, ironically developed by ex-boss Glenn Roeder, and the future could be bright. But how often has that been said about the Barcodes?

Expectation for the new owner will be top half, possibly Europe, probably a cup. And they might do it.

PREDICTION - 6th