Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith has backed Newcastle to qualify for the Champions League once again this season.
The former Arsenal striker was asked by BestBettingSites.co.uk who will finish in the top 5, and he replied:
“I can name the top three. I think most people probably could, but then those other two positions – there’s so much competition there. You’re not entirely sure about Aston Villa, because I think they’re short up front.”
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“Newcastle – are they going to mount a challenge? Chelsea have been up and down. So it might be one of those years where the likes of Bournemouth could squeeze in. They’re such a good team if they can keep it going. It’d be a brilliant story if they could. Nottingham Forest last season nearly went the distance, didn’t they? So, after Arsenal, City and Liverpool, I would go Newcastle and Chelsea.”
Newcastle have work to do
Despite putting together some great performances in Europe this season, including the 2-0 win against Athletic Club on Wednesday night, the Magpies’ domestic form leaves a lot to be desired.
Last weekend’s shock defeat to West Ham has left Eddie Howe’s team in 13th place on 12 points. They are currently 6 points adrift of Bournemouth in 5th and archrivals Sunderland in 4th.
5th should be enough to secure Champions League qualification
The new Champions League format means that two countries get an additional “European Performance Spot” in the league phase of the tournament.
This is decided by UEFA’s country coefficient ranking, which is graded by past performances. With the Magpies performing well in Europe, along with Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham, it will give England a much greater chance of getting a 5th Champions League place for a second consecutive year.
Read more about the Newcastle United First Team Squad for 2025/26 here