Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, interacts with Eddie Howe, Manager of Newcastle United
Eddie Howe and Mikel Arteta shake hands at the Emirates
Newcastle United need no added motivation to beat Arsenal on their own patch on Sunday afternoon. Eddie Howe takes his side to the Emirates looking to record their FOURTH victory over the Gunners this season.
A victory in North London would move United into second place, one point ahead of Mikel Arteta's side ahead of the final game of what has already been a remarkable season. It would also all-but secure a Champions League place next season with Newcastle sitting pretty going to their home game with Everton on May 25.
Newcastle have reason to be confident too, with Arsenal beset by injuries and suspensions, and the memory of three defeats to Howe's side this season fresh in their memory. Newcastle won 1-0 at St James' Park in the opposite fixture in November, and recorded two 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final wins for a 4-0 aggregate success.
But while it's all about securing Champions League football, the United hierarchy will be acurely aware that every place in the Premier League carries vital prize money - and the higher a club finishes, the more they receive.
All clubs will land a standard equal share fee, based on the domestic and international TV and other commercial deals, with came in at around £95m per club last season. Newcastle's seventh-placed finish in 2024 landed them £39.4m in merit payments - but that could jump by almost £15m this season should they secure second spot.
Arsenal were runners-up last season and collected £53.5m, with similar totals expected in 2025. Third were awarded £50.7m, with £47.9m for fourth and £45.1m for fifth. It's roughly £3m per position, adding extra spice to what already has been an intense battle.
Of all of the clubs involved in the race for a top-five spot, only Nottingham Forest can now not finish second, with the Arsenal, Newcastle, Man City, Aston Villa and Chelsea's final position still to be decided - with a potential £15m swing in their prize money.