Matt Le Tissier believes that Newcastle United should have enough to avoid relegation this season.
The Magpies suffered a torrid start to their summer after losing manager Rafa Benitez, as well as top scorers Ayoze Perez and Salomon Rondon, but new boss Steve Bruce has splashed the cash to bring in acquisitions like Joelinton and Allan Saint-Maximin.
And those signings have been enough to convince Sky pundit Le Tissier that they will beat the drop.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I don’t think Sean Dyche’s side [Burnley] have strengthened as much as some of the teams around them.
“Newcastle should have enough to keep clear of the relegation battle but Brighton and Aston Villa will be in the mix.”
OPINION
This time a month ago, Newcastle would have been most people’s favourites to get relegated this season. The Magpies were a rudderless ship with an innumerable amount of leaks, but over the past few weeks they have just about managed to stop the flow of water. A late flurry of activity saw them bring in Saint-Maximin, Jetro Willems, Emil Krafth, and local boy Andy Carroll, but you can’t help feeling that a lot of their fortunes will rest on how well Joelinton settles into his new role as the club’s number nine. He has big shoes to fill after Salomon Rondon’s heroics last season, but the Brazilian does have the potential to carry out the job. His average of two shots on goal, 1.5 key passes, and 1.7 successful dribbles per game last season, as per Whoscored, illustrate a well-rounded forward with a lively streak, and if he can find his gear early doors, he could be a key player for this new look Toon side.
