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Opta Analyst have released their Premier League predictions for the 2026/27 season, and it makes interesting reading. According to Opta, their prediction model “estimates the likelihood of teams finishing in each position in the competition.” To do this, they use “betting market odds and Opta Power Rankings,” which are “based on historical and recent team performances.” So what does Opta think Newcastle United’s chances are this season? Could Newcastle Qualify for the Champions League? According to Opta’s “supercomputer”, Newcastle’s predicted finish is seventh with 57 points, which will surprise the doom-mongers. It thinks that the Magpies have an outside chance of qualifying for the Champions League, with a 19.8% chance of finishing in the top four, and a 26.2% chance of reaching the top five. Opta credit Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle’s “big reputation”, and the fact that Newcastle have qualified for the Champions League in seasons where they have had no European football – like this one. This is despite the departure of former coach Eddie Howe, and the exits of influential players Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, and Anthony Gordon. Could it be right? Well, last year the supercomputer predicted that Newcastle would finish sixth, with a 9.5% chance of finishing in the top four – and we know how that went. But if they get a few more players in and can adapt quickly to Jaissle’s style of play, then anything could happen. Opta have also analysed the opening five matches of the season, and have concluded that the fixture computer has been kind to Newcastle, if you take out the opening game against Liverpool. Their other four fixtures are against Tottenham Hotspur, AFC Bournemouth, Leeds United, and Hull City. Only Manchester United have an easier start, according to Opta’s rankings. How Does Opta’s Prediction Compare to Sky Sports? Sky Sports are more pessimistic about Newcastle’s chances. Their supercomputer has predicted a finish of 13th, which some may conclude is more realistic than Opta. Sky think it will be another tough season for the Toon, predicting that Newcastle will achieve 44 points, nine points more than the three relegated teams. They reckon that Newcastle will finish above Sunderland though, so every cloud. Newcastle are a team in transition, so it is hard to accurately predict where they will finish but it will be interesting to see how this new team – and coach – fares.