Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson believes Newcastle United can secure Champions League qualification again this season.
Writing in his Sportskeeda column, Merson said that despite being in the bottom half, the Magpies have shown enough to suggest that they can move up the table if they can find some consistency:
“Newcastle are moving steady in the league, and even though they are 12th on the table, just five points separate them from Chelsea in fourth.”
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“Newcastle are a team that can beat anyone on their day. The only thing they’re lacking is consistency. I think Newcastle United will finish in the top four if they can be consistent, certainly have the players to do it.”
Clubs are bunched up in the table
As Merson mentions, Eddie Howe’s side are only a handful of points behind those vying for Champions League places. The likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool are all in striking distance.
To get in the mix, though, a lot depends on whether this team can go on a run of wins. They have not managed to do that so far this campaign.
Newcastle have other things they need to put right
Consistency is not the only issue that has been plaguing the Magpies. Poor away form and conceding last-minute goals (like they did against Tottenham) have also cost them plenty of points.
The 4-1 win against Everton last weekend did break their away duck, at the very least, and fans will be hoping they can build on that result when they face archrivals Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in just over a week’s time.
Before that, though, Howe’s men take on relegation strugglers Burnley at home. The priority will be to secure a win and move up into the top half.
Read more about the Newcastle United First Team Squad for 2025/26 here