‘It’s bold, innit?’
Eddie Howe used the words of Erik ten Hag, last season, to motivate his players for a home game against Manchester United. Gary Neville has just handed him fresh fodder for United’s next trip to St James’ Park.
The Monday Night Football panel – Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and Karen Carney – made their 2023/24 predictions after taking viewers through their analysis of Manchester United’s win over Wolves, and the opening weekend of the season.
The trio shocked no-one with their title predictions, with Neville sticking fast to his Arsenal call. As for top four, again all three agreed on the make-up of sides, if not the order.
It was when the panel came to their predictions for 5th and 6th that things got spicy, and that was before they even talked relegation or top scorers.
Gary Neville not so sure about Newcastle United
While Jamie Carragher and Karen Carney both opted for Chelsea and Newcastle United to finish just outside of the top four, Gary Neville did not have the Toon included in his Top 6.
“I made a prediction, last week, that Aston Villa would finish top six, and I’m sticking with it,” he remarked.
“I thought Newcastle were sensational on Saturday [beating Villa 5-1]… I think Newcastle could have a really good run in the Champions League and are the type of side that could catch teams off guard… the Champions League when you’re experiencing it for the first time as a club, it consumes you.”
Later in the predictions chat, Carragher responded to some jibes from Neville by proclaiming, “You’re the clown that’s just watched Newcastle batter Aston Villa and you said Villa in 5th!”
Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher picked Erling Haaland for top scorer while Karen Carney opted for Mo Salah.
All three predicted Sheffield United and Luton to be relegated while Neville disagreed with Carney and Carragher over Burnley and said Bournemouth were in danger of falling into the Championship.
Related Links:
- Eddie Howe uses Ten Hag’s words in motivational team talk
- Gary Neville on the five Man United players that need to have exceptional seasons
- Wolves controversially not awarded late penalty as Man United scrape victory
