Premier League 2019/20: Opinion - Predicted final standings

#19 Newcastle United

Newcastle United

Players In: Joelinton, Kyle Scott, Jake Turner, Jetro Williams, Allan Saint-Maximin, Emil Krafth, Andy Carroll, Ludwig Francillette.

Players Out: Mohamed Diame, Cal Roberts, Josef Yarney, Tyrique Bartlett, Ayoze Perez, Joselu.

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As soon as Rafa Benitez left the club by "mutual consent", the writing was on the wall. Newcastle are destined for the drop this season and I don't think anyone will really be too surprised if they are relegated. Mike Ashley doesn't seem to have the club's best interests at heart; his concern is simply making a profit by any means necessary, even if that means that the club suffer on the pitch as a result.

Benitez got the last laugh, however, as he joined Dalian Yifang and signed Newcastle's best striker last season on a permanent deal from West Brom. The Magpies were reportedly interested in signing Rondon as well after a sublime season-long loan with them, but he wanted to reunite with Rafa, not the club, which speaks volumes.

If you take a look at who Newcastle have signed this summer, there isn't anyone for fans to brag about. Yes, £40m was spent on Joelinton, but he's unproven at this level, and considering how poorly he's played thus far, Newcastle may have just wasted a lot of money.

Their most recent game was a 3-0 defeat to newly-promoted Norwich City. That says it all.