With the start of the new Premier League season only a few weeks away what faith awaits Newcastle United? The Tyne siders played above themselves at times last season most notably their sensational 2-1 victory over Manchester City. After a season of heights and hollows Rafa Benítez’ side finished 13th in the league eleven points clear of relegation. A respectable achievement considering the minimum resources he was forced to work with. However Newcastle appear to be starting this season on the back foot after Benítez’ contract expired much to the discontent of the Magpies supporters. Now that rumblings of a new owner buying the club have fallen through Newcastle United face their biggest test yet.

How will they fair?

With Steve Bruce appointed at the helm many in the Toon Army were incensed. The former Sunderland manager has to now try and channel St. James’ Parks cauldron of noise and emotion. If this atmosphere is harvested correctly it could be worth numerous points to Newcastle. Bruce will not bring any new exciting style to the club but Newcastle had several drab displays last season. A tight compact backline is to be expected with a midfield that will work savagely to win back the ball. The area where the questions will be asked most is in attack. Will they have the fire power to keep themselves afloat?

Once again the picture is bleak. Salomón Rondón has left the club after a loan spell from West Brom and followed Benítez to China. The Venezuelan netted 11 times last season with 7 assists. Ayoze Perez managed 12 goals unfortunately it appears Ashley could not refuse a £30 million payday when Leicester came calling. With both main attackers from last season gone how will Newcastle survive? Believe it or not they have dipped into the transfer market they have smashed their transfer record signing Joelinton for £40 million from Hoffenheim on a six year contract. The young Brazilian is something to be excited about scoring 7 goals and getting 5 assists in the Bundesliga last season. Hopefully he can adjust quickly to the physical and intense demands of the Premier League week in week out. Without doubt Newcastle need a talisman this season it remains to be seen can the Brazilian deliver.

Looking at Newcastle’s squad in general it isn’t completely negative. The goalkeeper Dúbravka is a solid player and can be relied upon. At the back there is room for improvement perhaps a new partner for Lascelles in central defence. The midfield is promising Isaac Hayden really gives a physical presence which will be vital in those nip and tuck matches. Sean Longstaff a man whose name is being mentioned a lot at the moment would be valuable to keep but his future is uncertain. He is a player who played very little last season for Newcastle but being linked to Manchester United must mean he’s no bad player. Jonjo Shelvey is a player fans either love or hate. I watched him play against West Ham in the Asian Trophy he was good at times. He really showed a wide variety of passing spraying the ball to the wings and digging in with crisp tackles when needed. On the other hand Shelvey has often gone missing for Newcastle in big games and gets a bit reckless when under pressure but he’s a must keep if he’s on form.

Matt Richie is another man who will need to have a big season his delivery from out wide is first class at times and he is well capable of doing damage from set pieces. Miguel Almirón has to take a step to the next level in the new season. Joining in January from the MLS his adjustment period is over I really expect this player to be a top performer. A surprise package came from Muto in preseason he performed with a high energy pressing game and scored the winner against West Ham in their Asia Trophy match. Can the Japanese striker make an impression after scoring only one goal in nineteen last season? I think perhaps Newcastle need a proven striker in their ranks for next season. A man who will get 10+ goals in the Premier League perhaps Daniel Sturridge who is a free agent. Sturridge has seen it all before and would take an opportunity when presented. If they get one or two more signings they have a chance of beating the drop.

I think Newcastle fans will have to remain patient this season. They have bright talents in their side I hope they can hold on to them. If they do hold on to their valuable first team players like Sean Longstaff and Isacc Hayden I don’t see why they cant survive. Steve Bruce is not the appointment Newcastle needed. He has experience in the Premier League but really if Mike Ashely was ambitious he would have kept Rafa. There is definitely no need for panic just yet at Newcastle. As usual it will all come down to Mike Ashley’s decision will he open the purse strings? If he does Newcastle could survive but for me that’s a step back on last season. This season they should be pushing for top half but after losing their goal threat and manager that’s an impossibility. This season won’t be plain sailing for this big club.