'I think they will struggle': Gary Lineker gives damning verdict as he predicts where Newcastle United will finish this season

The Premier League is back underway this weekend, and Newcastle United can start focusing on the football rather than rumours - although if pre-season is anything to go by, that may not be a good thing.

Newcastle failed to win any pre-season friendly other than a behind-closed-doors game against Carlisle United. The best we could do is draw against Tottenham Hotspur and Espanyol.

It's off the pitch that has been the most depressing for fans, though. Going into a transfer window with no CEO and no sporting director has caused a nightmare when it comes to getting deals done.

On top of that, Newcastle are targeting such top players that they've been going up against the 'Big Six' teams with every addition and have unsurprisingly missed out at every turn. Oh, and did we mention that our star striker has gone on strike? Mint!

Gary Lineker thinks Newcastle will struggle

The lack of additions, particularly in the striker department, is a big worry, and it's something that Gary Lineker has said on The Rest Is Football podcast will have a huge bearing on where Newcastle will finish this season.

"I’m going to go mid-table.

“If they bring in a decent striker, I think a European spot. Otherwise, I think they will struggle.”

Alan Shearer is staying positive...ish

That came after Alan Shearer tried to defer his answer, saying he'd wait and see how they start with Aston Villa and Liverpool up first, but Lineker's mid-table comment did get a rise out of the former Toon No. 9.

“Are you mid-table?! Are we going that far down?”

“I’ve got them fifth or sixth.”

Honestly, we'd be buzzing with fifth or sixth, especially with the Champions League in the mix. With Malick Thiaw on his way in, and Yoane Wissa poised, we're just a midfielder and a striker away from being very happy bunnies. Let's restore this faith.