Irrespective of today's result, and looking at the side purely on paper, what is your likeliest finising position? I know it's difficult or near impossible to be accurate considering a ball hasn't been kicked but still. I'm honestly feeling some positive vibes, I expect Bruce to see us challenge top 10 and us to finish 11/12th. I don't think we have the depth to challenge all season for a top ten position but starting 11 wise we have enough to give anyone a game. Poor Brucie of course will receive no credit for getting us higher than Rafa did, people arguing he had more to spend and his signing's werent his, Rafa text him all the names. But alas, the life of a Toon manager is one of perpetual misery. Also, we are more attacking under Bruce, so I think we will pick up more goals against lower table struggles, unlike under Rafa were Huddersfield did the double over us.
First 6 games will give us a good indicator of where we are - 3 of the top 6, Arsenal. Tottenham, Liverpool, then Watford and Brighton are litmus test with newly promoted Norwich thrown in for good measure. 0-5 points - relegation fight. 5-10 points will mean around 9th-15th place and anything over 12 points I'd guess a solid top half of the table finish.
Could be a surprise 10th if the defence rafa honed mixes with the (apparent) attacking nous of Steve 'sweeper' Bruce. Mark my words though, in 3 years of Bruce I expect to see a relegation.
