Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is one of the contenders for the Manager of the Year Award in the Premier League this season. His side is not only in the mix for a top-four finish, but it may also have a chance to win the title.

Howe was appointed as the Toon boss in November 2021. At the time, the primary target was to avoid relegation. The former Bournemouth manager did that with ease in the end, which meant the club was able to invest in their squad during the summer transfer window.

Eddie Howe 👏 pic.twitter.com/5SbUjmS0WI

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 10, 2023

Newcastle attracted high-quality players in the last two transfer windows, so the expectation from Howe’s team was much higher in the 2022/23 campaign. A push towards the top end of the table was the goal and the Englishman has overseen that.

The World Cup break came at a bad time for the Magpies as they had won five consecutive Premier League games when the league took a break. However, since the resumption, they have returned in great form, as they have not conceded a goal in their opening three games, including an impressive 0-0 draw away to Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Newcastle are now odds-on at 10/11 for a top-four finish in the campaign. Those unfamiliar with betting terms can read more about fractional odds in this guide. If the denominator in the fraction (second number) is larger than the numerator, like in the case of Newcastle in the Champions League qualification, it means they are rated more likely to achieve something than not, as their probability is higher than 50%.

Unfortunately, the North East-based club are only 50/1 in the Premier League outright market for the title this season. They remain underdogs at those odds, but if they can keep up their excellent form, they could continue to close the gaps on Arsenal and Manchester City, keeping themselves in the mix in the closing stages of the campaign.

Toon Chasing First Major Domestic Trophy Since 1955

As well as being in a good spot in the Premier League table going into the second half of the season, Newcastle are also in contention for the Carabao Cup. A 2-0 victory over Leicester ensured they progressed through to the semi-final of the competition. They will now face Southampton over two legs in the last four.

Newcastle haven't won a major domestic trophy for 68 years.

Eddie Howe's side are three games away from glory in the Carabao Cup 🏆👀 pic.twitter.com/jWW9b59YEJ

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) January 10, 2023

Newcastle have not won a major domestic cup competition since 1955. They lifted the FA Cup that season, beating Manchester City 3-1 in the final at Wembley. Since then, their supporters have had very little to shout about.

The Toon will be expected to qualify past Southampton, and they could meet Manchester United in the final in March. Dutchman Erik ten Haag is in his first season with the Manchester club, and he has also made a good start to his reign.

Newcastle’s wait for another FA Cup success will have to go on until at least next season. They were stunned by Championship club Sheffield Wednesday in the third round of that competition.

The Best May Still Be to Come for Howe and Newcastle

Whatever happens this season, Newcastle fans can be very excited about the club’s future. They will be expected to strengthen once again this summer. If they qualify for the Champions League, that will open the door to an even bigger pool of world-class players.

Newcastle have been linked with Brazilian defensive midfielder Danilo recently. If they add two or three players of his calibre in the summer, it could make a big difference toward their title credentials next season.

Howe has shown he can get the best out of the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Alexander Isak and Sven Botman. Those players have all made a difference since arriving at St James’ Park following big money transfers. They all appear to be enjoying playing for their manager and in the system he adopts for his team.

The 45-year-old is regarded as one of the brightest English managers in the sport today. Some pundits are predicting him to be the man the FA target as Gareth Southgate’s replacement when the national team boss decides to walk away from his role. Before then, Howe will want to win trophies at Newcastle and help develop the club into one of the best in Europe.

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