It feels like a lifetime ago since Newcastle United clinched the Carabao Cup against Liverpool. Jubilant scenes have emanated around Tyneside as the Magpies bask in the glory of ending 70 years without domestic silverware.
The party will continue this weekend when Toon fans welcome their Wembley heroes home. Newcastle have organised an open-top bus parade around the city before festivities culminate at the Town Moor.
Focus will then shift to the Premier League campaign, with the Magpies 10 games away from history. Newcastle have never qualified for Europe’s elite competition and clinched silverware in the same season.
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Doing so would result in United’s best season since winning the league title in 1927. Brentford arrive at St James' Park next Wednesday, giving Newcastle players three days to shake off any hangovers following Saturday’s event.
Are Eddie Howe and Co likely to achieve this? NewcastleWorld has profiled what the boffins at Opta are predicting…
How many points do Newcastle United need to secure Champions League football?
Opta expect Newcastle to finish the season on 64 points - and earn Champions League qualification through the back door. A fifth-placed finish has never warranted a spot via league position but UEFA’s revamped coefficient system is set to grant England an extra place next season.
The Magpies are tipped to edge Chelsea in the race for fifth by a point. Manchester City, enduring a rare drop-off under Pep Guardiola, have been backed to finish two points above Newcastle.
Interestingly, the statistical gurus do not anticipate a last-season crumble from Premier League surprise packages Nottingham Forest. The Tricky Trees - who the Magpies have beaten three times in 2024-25 - are predicted to end up with 68 points.
Newcastle have a 33.56 per cent chance of returning to the Champions League frontier. As for the Europa League, they have a 21.79 per cent possibility - higher than any other club.
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Eddie Howe sent Champions League message to Newcastle United players
Howe believes his Newcastle players should want to play Champions League football at St James' Park - not anywhere else. He said in January: “Those players you’re talking about need to perform to confirm that they want to play there (Champions League), that they want to play there with us - that has to be the aim and the ambition, not looking elsewhere.
“The determination and resolve within the squad that I have seen in recent weeks has been very strong. They have been hugely motivated. We have put a great run together and have put ourselves in a great position.
“But this is the important part of the season now. We’re coming down to the games where we need to keep winning, to keep the run of form and stay in and around where we are and really push. So the message to them is to focus on that.”