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Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies
There are six games on the opening Saturday of the 2024-25 Premier League and BBC Sport will bring you all the action and reaction throughout the day.
*All times are BST
A new season, and a new challenge for BBC Sport's prediction expert Chris Sutton.
Sutton faced off against a guest for each of the 38 game weeks in 2023-24 and triumphed 21-10 (with seven draws) to secure his second predictions title in a row.
He will have a guest each week this time too, but now you can find out if you can do any better.
Sutton's opponent for the opening round of games is The Courteeners frontman Liam Fray.
Sutton's prediction: 3-0
This is another tough game for one of the promoted sides.
Newcastle have got some quality players and they are also such a powerful, physical and relentless outfit.
Southampton will know what is coming, but I am not sure they will be able to stop it happening.
Liam's prediction: 3-0
I heard a Southampton fan talking recently about whether they would rather be at the top of the Championship or in the Premier League getting trounced every week and he said he preferred to be in the Championship. I can understand why - I have gone for Newcastle to win this quite easily and it won't be much fun for Southampton if it turns out like this all the time - hopefully it won't.
Image source, Getty ImagesNewcastle manager Eddie Howe says Sandro Tonali is "excited" for his return to action, as the midfielder approaches the end of his 10-month ban for breaching betting rules on 28 August.
"He has handled himself really well in this period, I am sure he has had some hard days," said Howe.
"He has trained really well and has been a great team-mate. I know how focused and excited he is for his return.
"Another huge thing for me to say is thank you to the Newcastle United fans. The way they've looked after him and for how they've dealt with him socially.
"I think it's been an incredible response and that will only help him when he returns."
Image source, Getty Images
I feel like last season's top three will be the same this time, although not necessarily in the same order. After that, there are going to be four or five teams challenging for fourth place.
I am pretty confident Newcastle will be one of them, although the dream is still for them to win a trophy. It's the same as every year, really, in that I'd love to see them go deep in a domestic cup... and finally win one.
Can they do both? Well, you would never say having no European football is a good thing but the one positive to Eddie Howe's side not being involved this time is that their workload is a lot less than when they were in the Champions League.
What cost Newcastle last season was their horrific injury list and they cannot afford for the same thing to happen again if they are going to do well, so fewer demands, in terms of playing once not twice a week, should help them.
Not having Nick Pope in goal was a massive miss when he was out for so many months so having him back fit, and hopefully staying fit, is another reason I am hopeful they will be in and around the top end of the table.
Read more from Shearer on the upcoming Premier League season
On the eve of the 2024-25 Premier League season, we asked 30 BBC TV and radio pundits to pick their top four, with explanations for their selections.
Manchester City and Arsenal were the only sides to be selected as our pundits' title winners, but seven other clubs were considered as potential top-four candidates.
Ex-England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley believes Liverpool and Manchester United will finish third and fourth respectively.
She said: "Liverpool will need to tighten up defensively and be more clinical in front of goal. Moreover, we all know that changes can take time to embed and with Jurgen Klopp gone, Arne Slot's stylistic changes toward a more controlled approach could mean a lag in performance.
"Inconsistent last season and already plagued by injuries, United are rebuilding. They have made some quality signings over the summer so expect to see some improvements, particularly the additions of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui to solidify their defence, but they will still drop points where they shouldn't."
Former England defender Anita Asante is backing Newcastle to finish in the top four, as they did in 2022-23.
"Eddie Howe's side showed lots of promise last season but the injury crisis they had throughout the campaign didn't help their European qualification ambitions," she said.
"They are sure to have a big rebound this season with Alexander Isak leading the front line. With a healthy squad and only the Premier League as a primary focus, they are definitely strong contenders to finish in the top four."
Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman agreed, adding: "Isak is key but they've got no European football and cannot possibly have the bad luck on the injury front they did last season."
And former England international Sue Smith is predicting that Tottenham will finish in the top four: "Ange Postecoglou did brilliantly last year when everything looked like it was going to be difficult after they lost their best player and goalscorer, Harry Kane. But Ange came in and was a breath of fresh air, playing football that was great to watch.
"The injuries massively hindered them but you feel with another year under Ange they'll kick on. Dominic Solanke is a great signing that adds goals to the team. He had a brilliant season last year with 19 goals for Bournemouth and is a player high in confidence."
Who did our pundits pick as their Premier League top four? Read more here
Image source, Getty ImagesNewcastle United winger Miguel Almiron is a valued member of the Magpies' squad, manager Eddie Howe has said.
The Paraguay international had been subject of a bid from MLS club Charlotte FC earlier in the week but, after that move fell through, Howe was quick to reaffirm his appreciation of the player.
"He's a very valued member of the squad," said the Magpies boss in Friday's news conference, before Saturday's game against Southampton.
"I'm sure that speculation would have been difficult to manage. He's very much with us, we value his qualities and what he brings and I hope he has a great season.
"We'll work with Miggy to get his game to the level it was two years ago when he was absolutely incredible for us.
"His commitment, attitude and professionalism is second to none. He is a truly brilliant person and a great professional.
"He's an important player for us and we don't underestimate his quality in any way."
Image source, Getty ImagesIf fantasy football fans were hoping to get some clarity on whether Tino Livramento or Kieran Trippier will start for Newcastle against Southampton this weekend, Magpies manager Eddie Howe has given nothing away.
Both right-backs are vying for a starting berth for Newcastle's 2024-25 Premier League opener against the newly-promoted Saints on Saturday but, in his news conference on Friday, Howe suggested the pair will be battling it out for that spot throughout the campaign.
"I think performances will dictate that [whether he starts], not his feeling," said the Magpies boss when asked about Livramento's pre-season form.
"It will be how he performs.
"I think physically he is in a good place. We really believe in him and love his qualities and what he brings to the team. But he has great competition there with Kieran.
"It is going to be fascinating to see how those players compete. We have two top talents and two amazing characters so it will be amazing to see."
Joe Nelson
BBC Sport journalist
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League opener against Southampton at St James' Park (15:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Howe is happy with the condition of his squad going into 2024-25: "We are in a better position than we were for the majority of last season. We have got Nick Pope back fully fit - I touch wood with all of these as we have training later. Joe Willock is in a much better place. I wouldn't say he is 100% match fit. He has trained well and is certainly on the road towards the Joe Willock we know. We will have Sandro [Tonali] soon too. We still have the legacy of the players who were injured last season, though, such as Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman."
The Magpies boss is optimistic for the new season: "That is always the plan - to keep your best players fit. With our style of play being as intense as it, we can still do that. It has been managed really well. We lost Callum [Wilson] but apart from that, we are in a full bill of health. The squad is very healthy and motivated. Fitness-wise we look very good. Overall I am happy."
Howe elaborated further on Wilson's fitness: "Callum will be [back] in the early season. A couple of games in. He is making great progress and feeling good and wants to progress faster, but we are trying to manage his return."
On Newcastle's transfer plans: "Everyone is looking for the best players. When everyone is fit we have a very good squad, so to sign players and make your squad better is difficult. What you don't want to do is make a signing and look back and it hasn't kicked you on. That's something you have to avoid."
Howe hopes the Magpies can inspire their fans at St James' Park on Saturday: "We know the supporters will be with us. We know how important they are and the atmosphere at St James' Park last season was incredible. But we have to do the right things in terms of intention and all of the right things that can make the difference, at home, we have to repeat from last year."
Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news
Image source, Getty ImagesNewcastle have said Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali will be available for selection from 28 August.
Tonali received a 10-month ban from competitive football and he last played for the club in October 2023 after admitting to breaching betting rules.
He will miss Newcastle's first two Premier League games of the season but will be available again for their home league game against Tottenham on 1 September.
Image source, Getty ImagesThe Telegraph's Luke Edwards says his "gut feeling" tells him a price for Marc Guehi will be met so that the defender can sign for Newcastle.
Crystal Palace have rejected three offers from the Magpies, with the latest bid understood to be in the region of £60m.
"It has legs," said Edwards on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "Crystal Palace's chairman Steve Parish gave a very interesting interview which basically said he is available to buy but you will have to pay top money for him.
"Newcastle have not been scared off by that. Negotiations are continuing and everybody on both sides will want it to be less public now.
"Newcastle have tried to go low ball and get a bit of a bargain because they know he wants to come, so I think it will go quiet in the meantime.
"My gut feeling is that it will get done and it is a brilliant signing for them if it is."
It's that time of the year again - the annual act of foolishness in which I try to predict the outcome of the 2024-25 season for all 20 Premier League clubs.
Newcastle - ninth
Strange summer at Newcastle United, with churn backstage caused by the departure of Amanda Staveley from the boardroom and the arrival of Paul Mitchell as sporting director following Dan Ashworth's move to Manchester United.
The European football Newcastle thought they had was taken away by Manchester United's FA Cup final win over Manchester City, while profit and sustainability rules (PSR) meant the reluctant sales of Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest and Yankuba Minteh to Brighton respectively.
And then came the revelation that the departure of last season's star man and England winger Anthony Gordon to Liverpool had even been discussed to raise funds until other players left.
Throw in the speculation linking manager Eddie Howe with England and it has hardly been plain sailing on Tyneside.
However, if Newcastle can get a deal for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, arguably England's best player at Euro 2024, over the line then the club and the Toon Army will feel a lot better about themselves.
Top 10 but still some uncertainty at Newcastle United.
Image source, Getty ImagesThe draw for the second round of the Carabao Cup has been made.
Here is the list of the ties - which are split into southern and northern sections - involving Premier League clubs:
South
AFC Wimbledon v Ipswich Town
Brighton & Hove Albion v Crawley Town
Birmingham City v Fulham
Cardiff City v Southampton
Colchester United v Brentford
Crystal Palace v Norwich City
West Ham United v Bournemouth
North
Everton v Doncaster Rovers
Nottingham Forest v Newcastle United
Leicester City v Tranmere Rovers
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Burnley
The games will take place in w/c 26 August.
Chris Collinson
BBC Sport football statistician
Newcastle will be aiming to fly back up into the Champions League places this campaign... and while their attack from last season is already worthy of a top-four finish, their defence will have to improve.
The Magpies scored 17 more goals than when they finished fourth in 2022-23 despite actually taking 20 fewer shots. While that proves just how ruthless they were in front of goal, their xG shows they were still the best attack in terms of creating chances outside of the top three.
However, they were considerably worse defensively, conceding 29 more goals and facing 147 more shots. While a fully-fit Nick Pope should help improve that, Eddie Howe will need to find the right balance if St James’ Park is to welcome the likes of Paris St-Germain once again.
Image source, Getty ImagesThe draw for the second round of the Carabao Cup will take place on Wednesday at the conclusion of the first-round tie between Leeds United and Middlesbrough.
Thirteen Premier League clubs will enter in the second round, as will Luton Town and Burnley, who were relegated from the top flight in 18th and 19th positions last season.
The draw for round two will be regionalised into northern and southern sections.
The seven Premier League clubs playing in European competitions in 2024-25, including Carabao Cup holders Liverpool, will come in at the third-round stage.
The key dates for the competition are as follows:
Second round - w/c 26 August
Third round - w/c 16 and w/c 23 September
Fourth round - w/c 28 October
Quarter-finals - w/c 16 December
Semi-finals - w/c 6 January (first leg) and w/c 3 February
Final - 16 March
Follow Wednesday's action and then the full draw here from 19:30 BST
Charlotte Robson
Newcastle United Fan Writer
Where will you finish in the league and why?
It’s a massive season for Newcastle United who, without European football, have to prove that they belong in the conversation at the top of the table. We’re going to see a refocused, reenergised squad who know that their mission is to finish in the top four. We were depleted last season as we dealt with an unprecedented injury crisis (two dislocated shoulders, two broken backs, two knee tears, one small broken foot bone, and a ripped pec) ((seriously, a ripped pec)) but we now have depth back in the squad. I think we will finish fifth and secure European football for another season. My hope is that we finish fourth and get back into the Champions League, and that we get to one cup final this time around.
Who is the best signing or has he not signed yet and who should it be?
We’ve been linked with Marc Guehi from Palace who shone at the Euros as one of England's top defenders. If Newcastle pull this off, and we pick up a decent right winger, that would mark a very successful window. Defensively we were shabby last season and bringing this talent in would be huge.
What do you want from your manager this season?
Eddie Howe has a lot to prove. He had readymade excuses for our oscillating form last season but he won’t have that for 24-25. I want to see more ruthlessness from him - one of the major fan criticisms of the way Howe manages is that he does so with a little too much loyalty to some players. I’d like to see him being more tactically flexible.
Who will be the breakout star in your squad?
I’m excited to see what Will Osula can do - he’s the perfect profile for Eddie Howe as he’s young with a lot to prove, and he won’t slot straight into the first team, but I think at the back end of the season we’ll see him more and he’ll be a really important player for us.
What is your one major concern?
My concern for 24-25 isn’t specifically on the pitch as I trust the journey we are on and expect Eddie Howe and Jason Tindall (affectionately referred to as Mad Dog in these parts) to be excellent guides. I worry that the wider fan base - particularly those on social media - will turn. Last season we had tough games and bad results which saw animosity online and at the ground. There is strength in unity, and players have said how much of a boost they get from the fans. I hope that if results don’t go our way as we get into the new year and our harder fixtures we all remain calm. Hopefully it's not a necessary worry because we’ll just win everything.
Charlotte Robson can be found at the True Faith: Newcastle United Podcast, external
