2024-25 Premier League top-four finish prediction, betting odds and tips: Magpies in excellent shape for a Champions League return

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Newcastle to finish in top four
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2024-25 Premier League top-four finish prediction

Less than six months ago it was inconceivable that, at the halfway stage in the 2024-25 Premier League season, Nottingham Forest would be prime contenders for the top four and Manchester City would be on the fringes of the European places.

But that is just how chaotic this campaign has been.

With the help of a rejuvenated Chris Wood, Nuno Espirito Santo has done a cracking job with Forest, who have 37 points at the halfway point in the season. But is their success sustainable?

Forest have scored just 26 times in 19 league games and are happy enough without the ball - their average possession of 40.9 per cent puts them 19th in the table in that metric.

But playing without the ball could become tougher as the season goes on and they have outperformed their expected-points total by nearly eight, so a drop-off feels inevitable.

Manchester City, meanwhile, could go one way or the other. If their confidence crisis starts to resolve, they should comfortably make the top four.

But if results continue to underwhelm in the Premier League, priorities may shift and winning the Champions League could take precedence over making the top four.

Enzo Maresca has exceeded expectations with Chelsea but a three-game winless run at the end of 2024 has tempered enthusiasm and Newcastle look the best bet to make the top four.

The Magpies were marred by injuries last term and still finished seventh, so they were always going to be in the mix this season with no European football to distract them.

They have taken their time to get going but finished the year with five straight wins in all competitions, including an eye-catching 3-0 win over Aston Villa on Boxing Day.

Alexander Isak has taken his tally to 12 goals in 17 league matches and they have flourished going forwards despite the absence of Callum Wilson.

Keeping hold of Isak will be vital for Newcastle but they have strength throughout the squad with Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy also impressing on the flanks.

Eddie Howe's side broke into the top four in the 2022-23 season and look overpriced to do so again.

More Premier League predictions . . .

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Top goalscorer prediction: Haaland could still hunt down Salah

Relegation prediction: Tractor Boys value to avoid the drop

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