Looking at the current squad of players (+ a couple of decent defenders) I seriously think Newcastle could challenge the top-4 next season. Anyone else agree? Looking at the squad; GK: Given - one of the best, if not the best keepers in the premiership, and Krul/Harper as cover. MF: Very strong midfield, lots of cover/competition for places to keep players on their toes. The likes of Dyer, Parker, Emre, Milner, Duff, and then theres still N'zogbia, Solano and butt, a very strong midfield. ST: Martins, now has the confidence and is banging them in. Hopefully will carry on next season. Owen, told will be back 'as strong as ever'. Ameobi/Sibierski as cover (Luque 'if' he comes good) That just leaves the defence. If 'gooch' proves himself and gets a permanent deal then hopefully with him next to him Bramble will show he is actually quite good. I feel with a decent player next to him he has always played good. Carr is a decent enough right-back and babayaro isn't bad. A couple of new faces in the defence and we should be ok. The likes of dyer, martins, owen, n'zogbia, milner running at you leaves a frightening thought for defenders. So 'if' and its a big if, everyone stays fit, I seriously think we can be challenging the big-four.
I quite fancy Aston Villa to come 'close' next season, Newcastle have a good enough team to challange the likes of Liverpool, but there manager? nono. As Beggsy said, those 4 teams will be top.
