6 Premier League dark horses who will challenge for the top six next season

#1 Newcastle United

Newcastle were convincing winners of the Sky Bet Championship last season

It is almost impossible for a promoted team to straight away compete for a top six spot. However, like Leicester have shown in 2016, never say never. If any team has the quality and experience to do it, it’s Newcastle United.

Their manager Rafa Benitez is well-known for his time with Liverpool and Chelsea, with whom he won European trophies. His experience coupled with the quality in Newcastle’s squad and the size of the club make them dark horses for a top six finish.

It is that combination which saw the Magpies dominate the second division and win the league easily. Dwight Gayle had a phenomenal year along with a number of players such as Aleksandar Mitrovic, Matt Ritchie, Mohamed Diame and Isaac Hayden.

Rafa Benitez is a high-profile manager, winning trophies with Liverpool and Chelsea

The bumper Premier League TV deal means more signings can be expected and of better quality. They have already signed center-back Florian Lejeune from Spanish club Eibar and Chelsea winger Christian Atsu. In Rafa Benitez, they have a manager who knows how to build a team and even beat the top six.

Thus, Newcastle can be considered the favourites among the dark horses to have a real go at the Premier League elite next season.