Alexander Isak found himself caught in Sweden’s weather chaos during the international break, while Michael Owen’s bold prediction for Newcastle United’s season is looking increasingly accurate. Owen had forecasted that the Magpies would finish fifth, ahead of both Manchester United and Tottenham, a prediction that is currently on track as Newcastle sits just outside the top four.
Isak Caught in Sweden’s ‘Chaos’ During Break
Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak and his Sweden teammates were compelled to return to Stockholm after their training camp in Marbella was disrupted by severe weather in Spain.
Sweden had traveled across Europe for upcoming matches against Slovakia and Azerbaijan, but heavy rain in the area disrupted their plans, with players receiving red weather alerts on their phones overnight.
“I got a little worried. You’ve seen in other cities in Spain how it’s been, so it wasn’t very fun. Hopefully, it won’t be too crazy,” Isak said at a press conference on Wednesday.
Sweden teammate and Tottenham prospect Lucas Bergvall told Swedish outlet Fotbollskanalen, “It was chaos. Rain chaos. With thunder and all that. We had to stop early.”
Sweden hopes to leave the country and fly back home to resume their preparations before hosting Martin Dubravka’s Slovakia on Saturday evening. The Magpies’ goalkeeper is set to earn his 50th cap for his country in the Nations League match.
Isak, who missed Sweden’s October internationals due to a broken toe, has made a strong return to form with Newcastle, scoring four goals in as many games across all competitions. The last time he joined the national team, he scored three goals in two matches against Azerbaijan and Estonia.
Newcastle teammate Emil Krafth will not join his international colleagues for the upcoming double header after withdrawing due to a suspected broken collarbone. The defender missed Sunday’s victory at Nottingham Forest and is expected to be sidelined for a period.
Michael Owen’s Bold Newcastle Prediction Is Spot On
Michael Owen is not particularly popular on Tyneside due to his involvement in Newcastle’s relegation in 2008/09.
Alan Shearer recently joked about his strained relationship with Owen, which became tense following their fallout at St James’ Park 15 years ago.
Owen, who was Newcastle’s record signing at £17m, didn’t have a favorable stint with the fans. After retiring in 2013, he transitioned into football punditry.
Before the 2024/25 season, Owen predicted Newcastle’s finishing position, and so far, his forecast is proving unsettlingly accurate.
Michael Owen’s Prediction for Newcastle United’s Finish
The Newcastle fanbase had mixed feelings heading into the season after a disappointing summer transfer window.
Last season, Newcastle finished seventh in the Premier League despite dealing with injury setbacks and a busy Champions League schedule.
Eddie Howe’s team just missed out on European qualification due to Manchester United’s FA Cup win, but the upside was that Newcastle could fully concentrate on the league this season.
With that in mind, Owen predicted via the Premier League that Newcastle would finish fifth, just missing out on a Champions League spot.
Currently, Newcastle sits eighth in the table after 11 games, just one point behind Chelsea in third.
This means Owen’s prediction is proving accurate, as he confidently stated that the Magpies would finish ahead of both Manchester United and Tottenham.
A bold prediction, but one that stands true, with Newcastle currently above Manchester United in 13th and Spurs in 10th.
Newcastle Executives Set Premier League Target for Eddie Howe
Newcastle’s rapid rise to Champions League qualification in 2022/23 was always going to be hard to repeat, but Howe is expected to secure European qualification this season in his third full year as manager.
Club executives are aiming for a return to continental football, meaning Howe must finish no lower than seventh this season unless qualification is secured by winning a trophy.
If that happens, a disappointing league finish would likely be overlooked.
Securing qualification is also crucial for ongoing contract negotiations with Alexander Isak, who has made European football a condition for signing a new deal at St James’ Park.
The race for Europe remains highly competitive, but Newcastle are in excellent form heading into the November break, having won three straight matches.
Never Miss a Match! Download our app and keep up with daily football news and updates wherever you are.
Install App
