With the new Premier League season on the horizon, Sports Mole considers Newcastle United's chances.
In:
Loic Remy (Queens Park Rangers, Loan)
Out:
Steve Harper (Released), Yven Moyo (Released), Danny Simpson (Queens Park Rangers, Free), James Perch (Wigan Athletic, Undisclosed), Steve Harper (Hull City, Free)
Last Season: 16th
Manager: Alan Pardew
Three key players:
Fabricio Coloccini - The uncompromising Argentine defender reportedly came close to leaving the Magpies last season, but his decision to stay, for whatever reason, is one that can only benefit the club. If Newcastle are to improve on their woeful showing in 2012-13, then Coloccini needs to be at his robust best at the back. Despite his ruthless style, Coloccini's experience and understanding of the art of defending are a big asset to the team.
Yohan Cabaye - If Newcastle manage to keep hold of their midfield talisman this summer their chances of climbing up the Premier League table will be much improved. The Frenchman has many feathers to his bow: superb stamina, great passing ability and a keen eye for goal - talents that have seen him linked with moves to some of Europe's top clubs in recent months. A fierce competitor, Cabaye is arguably the most vital cog in Newcastle's machine.
Papiss Cisse - The striker's future at Newcastle had recently been in doubt because of a dispute over the club's new sponsorship deal, but there would have been a huge sigh of relief around St James' Park when the matter was finally resolved. At his best Cisse is one of the finest forwards in the Premier League. As a player who is both a canny presence in the penalty area and a scorer of spectacular goals, the Magpies will once again be pinning a lot of their hopes on the Senegal international's shoulders.
First game: Manchester City (A), Complete fixture list
Sports Mole says: Few clubs in the Premier League have the potential to implode as Newcastle do, and that could be an even greater reality this season following the arrival of Joe Kinnear as director of football. The whole situation has a depressing inevitability about it, but the players must ignore any madness in the boardroom if they are to do better than the last campaign. This being Newcastle, they could end anywhere in the table.
Predicted finish: 14th
