Newcastle United have a huge game in the Premier League this weekend as Chelsea come to town.
Indeed, Newcastle United are fourth in the Premier League as they start to dream about a return to the Champions League stage.
However, the congested nature of the Premier League table means no one in the race for the top five can feel comfortable just yet.
Eddie Howe’s side sit level on points with Chelsea and are ahead on only goals scored. Nottingham Forest are only two points behind, while Aston Villa trail by just three.
It means Sunday’s clash at St James’ Park has the feel of a cup final. Win that and Newcastle will be in a great position to return to Europe’s elite club competition. If they lose, things will get very nervy in the final two games of the campaign.
Enzo Maresca’s side beat Premier League champions Liverpool on Sunday to boost their hopes of a top five finish. Simon Jordan, however, has sent the Blues a warning.
30 Nov 2001: Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan answers questions during a press conference held to announce Trevor Francis being named manager at Selhurst Park, in London. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Redington /Allsport
30 Nov 2001: Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan answers questions during a press conference held to announce Trevor Francis being named manager at Selhurst Park, in London. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Redington /Allsport
Simon Jordan’s warning to Chelsea over Newcastle United
Speaking on talkSPORT on Tuesday, the former Crystal Palace owner told Chelsea that Newcastle are “at it” in their pursuit of Champions League football.
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Jordan suggested it would be a tough game for the west London side, particularly now Howe has returned to the dugout at St James’ after recovering from pneumonia.
“Chelsea have got a huge game on the weekend because Newcastle are at it,” he said.
“A couple of little wobbles but most of the time they’re at it. Eddie Howe’s back in the dugout, they’ve got an opportunity to cement what is going to be a very significant season for them by cementing a Champions League spot.”
“So, if Chelsea come out of that game with something, then I think Chelsea are in really good nick.”
How much money would Newcastle United earn by qualifying for the Champions League?
Newcastle would earn £17million by qualifying for the Champions League but the benefits having it on offer bring are so much more than the obvious financial ones.
Being able to tell their existing key players they have the chance to perform on Europe’s grandest stage could help convince them to stay long-term.
It would also no doubt help tempt big-name transfer targets to the club this summer. The last time Newcastle got there, they were able to make a statement signing in the form Sandro Tonali from AC Milan.
St James’ is built for big nights. Such has been their level of form this season, it would now be a disappointment not to see Newcastle qualify for the Champions League.