Shaka Hislop predicts whether Newcastle will finish in the top four in the Premier League this season

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Newcastle United have enjoyed a brilliant start to the season, even if the performances have been below par.

Eddie Howe’s side haven’t been at the best and yet, they sit third in the Premier League table having won three and drawn one from their opening four games.

That’s given many belief that they can challenge for the Champions League spots once again and with that said, former Newcastle goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has issued his prediction.

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Shaka Hislop doesn’t think Newcastle will finish top four

Speaking on ESPN FC, Shaka Hislop noted that Newcastle don’t have the squad depth to finish inside the top four.

“No, I don’t think that Newcastle will finish in the top four,” Hislop said.

“And whilst, as we have said, that they have got results, their performances have not been that convincing.

“They got the results, and as we saw last season, I think the squad were clearly good enough from two seasons ago to finish in the top four, but a few injuries certainly dented those ambitions last season.

“I’m not sure they are deep enough.”

Newcastle’s performances need to improve

You can look at Newcastle’s start to the season in two ways.

Their current performance levels are unsustainable, so eventually, results will start to reflect the sub-par displays.

Or, Howe’s men haven’t even got up to speed yet and are still managing to win, so imagine what they’ll look like when they’re at their best…

Either way, there’s certainly enough quality to mount a challenge for the top four, it’s just whether they can keep them injury-free, as Hislop alluded to.