Are Chelsea and Man Utd under threat in Newcastle's top-six bid?

Amanda Staveley's new ownership group wanted to win the Premier League. Newcastle were winless and in the bottom three at the time. Since then, they earned the sixth-most points in Premier league (46) and earned 38 points per game. Eddie Howe's team are third for the calendar year (2.0 points). Newcastle have invested in transfer market recently, including £90m in January.

Newcastle are interested in a top-six bid in 2022-23. Chelsea and Manchester United are among the big clubs that might be under threat.

Newcastle haven't played in the Champions League since 2003. Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sven Botman want to play in Europe this season. Newcastle coach Steve Howe wants to keep expectations low.  

Newcastle's evolution has been centred around their defence. Allan Saint-Maximin created 50 chances last season. Newcastle's offensive playmaker Callum Wilson needs to stay healthy. Newcastle play Nottingham Forest on Saturday. They shipped 80 goals in 2021. Only four teams have let in fewer goals than Newcastle. Two failed bids for James Maddison were made. The Magpies started with Guimaraes, Saint Maxim in the final two matches of last year.

Newcastle are chasing a top-four finish. The Magpies are third in the table this season. Chelsea and Manchester United are struggling to improve. They are ninth in 2022 standings.   If Newcastle continue to go from strength to strength, they may have to compete for Europa League and Champions League places. It is unlikely that they will be able to reach the latter. Tottenham and Arsenal have improved since the end of last season, but Chelsea are sixth and United ninth.