2015/16 Season Preview: Part Three

Manager: Steve McClaren 

Stadium: St James’ Park (52,405) 

Last Season: 15th 

Top Scorer: Papiss Cisse (11 goals) 

It wasn’t until the final day of the campaign that Newcastle United secured their Premier League status for the new season with a 2-0 win over West Ham United. 

Having been sitting comfortably in the table, the Magpies then lost nine and drew one of 10 games to spark panic stations at St James’ Park under then boss John Carver. 

However with their status secure and a new boss in the form of former England manager Steve McClaren, there’s a newfound optimism that the team can begin the climb the table once again. 

Star Man: Despite coming through the ranks at fierce rivals Sunderland, Jack Colback proved himself to be a fine addition to the Newcastle ranks and soon endeared him to the home faithful. During a difficult season, his performances were certainly one of the bright spots. 

City Fixtures: 21 November (A), 12 March (H) 

Norwich City 

Manager: Alex Neil 

Stadium: Carrow Road (27,033) 

Last Season: 4th (Championship) 

Top Scorer: Cameron Jerome (18 goals) 

It took the play-offs to do it, but Norwich City managed the impressive feat of bouncing back to the Premier League from the Championship at the first attempt last season. 

With a squad full of top-flight quality, the Canaries are perhaps the best prepared of all the promoted sides to cope with the Premier League, and with several quality additions such as the recent signing of Youssouf Mulumbu, they’ll be a real threat. 

Manager Alex Neil was a surprise appointment for many but has shone since travelling south of the border from Scotland. He’ll be keen to make the most of a passionate and partisan home crowd that make Carrow Road a difficult place to go. 

Star Man: Currently on duty with England Under-21s, winger Nathan Redmond possesses all the ingredients to be a huge success in the top-flight. With power, pace and an eye for goal, he provides the Canaries with a welcome outlet down either flank. 

City Fixtures: 3 October (A), 27 February (H) 

Southampton 

Manager: Ronald Koeman 

Stadium: St Mary’s Stadium (32,689) 

Last Season: 7th 

Top Scorer: Graziano Pelle (12 goals) 

After a summer that saw them lose a number of key players, many pundits had the Saints down to struggle in 2014/15, but under Ronald Koeman they roared to a seventh placed finish. 

The south coast club now have a Europa League campaign to look forward to as well and few would be against their attractive style of play causing teams problems in Europe too. 

While the Foxes lost 2-0 at St Mary’s last term, they won the return fixture against the Saints by the same scoreline at King Power Stadium to tee up their eventual survival against Sunderland with a game to go. 

Star Man: A mainstay of the Saints front line last term was Graziano Pelle, an Italian striker who joined from Dutch side Feyenoord in the summer and took no time to settle into the Premier League life. Again, his presence and finishing ability will be key to their success both domestically and on the continent. 

City Fixtures: 17 October (A), 2 April (H) 

Stoke City 

Manager: Mark Hughes 

Stadium: Britannia Stadium (27,740) 

Last Season: 9th 

Top Scorer: Mame Biram Diouf (11 goals) 

For much of the season Stoke City’s progress went under the radar, but a ninth placed finish underlined by a thumping 6-1 win over Liverpool on the final day of the season can’t be ignored. 

Further victories over the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal point to just how much quality Mark Hughes has within his squad, and they’ll be keen to push on yet again this term. 

City’s first away win of the campaign came at Stoke last season, when Leo Ulloa’s goal proved to be the difference, but that was one of few home defeats for the Potters at one of the most difficult stadiums to go to in the league. 

Star Man: Despite missing much of the campaign through injury, former Barcelona man Bojan Krkic will surely continue to shine for the Potters in 2015/16. His match winning display for Stoke at King Power Stadium underlined just how effective he can be. 

City Fixtures: 19 September (A), 23 January (H) 

Sunderland 

Manager: Dick Advocaat 

Stadium: Stadium of Light (49,000) 

Last Season: 16th 

Top Scorer: Steven Fletcher and Connor Wickham (5 goals) 

After much uncertainty, there was relief in Sunderland at manager Dick Advocaat’s decision to extend his stay at the Stadium of Light after guiding them to survival. 

Along with Newcastle, the north-east side avoided the drop on the final day of the season and will now be keen not to leave it so late again in 2015/16. With Advocaat, who replaced Gus Poyet midway through last season, at the helm, there will be plenty of optimism. 

City will find out first hand just how improved Advocaat’s Black Cats are soon enough as they visit King Power Stadium for the opening weekend of the new campaign on Saturday 8 August. 

Star Man: A stunning volley to win the derby match against Newcastle United will mean that Sunderland fans forever remember Jermain Defoe. He arrived from Toronto in January and his four Premier League goals played a vital role in their survival. 

City Fixtures: 8 August (H), 9 April (A)