Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino feels Newcastle are already a member of the Premier League elite.
Pochettino says Newcastle are now a top five club.
He told Chronicle Live: "Yes for sure. There are clubs that will challenge the top four, top six...
"It is going to be tough the Premier League like it always was. Yes they (Newcastle) showed that last season that they can be there, they are already there. It's not an if."
He added: "Chelsea are a different club and last season they expected something but they did not achieve it. It is why that it is so important that we provide a team that has good tools to perform. It will be difficult as it always was.
"It's not that this season will be worse than others. It was always difficult but it's why the Premier League is exciting and why it's good to be here. We look forward to every game."