EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Richard Lee/REX/Shutterstock (15227171ec) Eddie Howe and Newcastle United players present the Carabao Cup to the fans at special ceremony held at the Town Moor, after a bus parade through the city centre, Newcastle upon Tyne. Newcastle United Carabao Cup Victory Parade, Football, Newcastle, UK - 29 Mar 2025
The two-week long Carabao Cup celebrations are, unfortunately, over after the incredible scenes witnessed on Tyneside over the weekend. Now, attention turns back to ensuring Newcastle United finish the campaign on a high.
The Magpies have just 10 games remaining in a fiercely-contested race for those European places. Eddie Howe's side have already guaranteed themselves a place in the Europa Conference League but the Toon boss wants more with a Champions League finish firmly on the cards.
To achieve that, Newcastle must ensure they keep pace with some of the division's big hitters, with some favourable fixtures on the horizon, and ensure the Carabao Cup euphoria doesn't not become a distraction. Here is what comes next for Howe's side between now and May.
Brentford focus
Eddie Howe drilled into his players that Saturday's parade celebration was to be a dry one, with no alcohol consumed during the festivities. The message ever since the Wembley win over two weeks ago has been clear: Partying was allowed but a strict cut off was put in place to ensure full focus was given to the return of Premier League football this week.
Given the tight-knit nature of the top flight table at present, 11th-placed Brentford are still in with a tremendous chance of qualifying for Europe this term. With 47 points to their names, the Bees are just six adrift the top seven and seven points off United, currently sat in sixth position.
Thomas Frank's side have also been relentless in front of goal, netting 50 times in 29 Premier League matches. That figure sees Brentford with the most goals of any team currently sat outside of the top five.
Much of the west London outfit's success has been down to in-form right-winger, Bryan Mbeumo. The Cameroon international has enjoyed the best season of his career after admitting last summer he was ready to join a big club.
United's interest in the winger is no secret and this summer will likely see the Magpies revive their hopes of bringing him to Tyneside. This week's clash will provide the perfect opportunity for another scouting mission by Newcastle's recruitment chiefs as they get a glimpse of Mbeumo up close at St James' Park.
10 cup finals
Beyond Brentford, United have another nine games to cement their spot as a Champions League side for next season. As it stands, it looks like fifth-place will be enough to guarantee a spot at Europe’s top table due to the current UEFA coefficient standings.
United have 10 big cup finals to overcome in the coming weeks but, on paper, look to be in a favourable position. As it stands, Newcastle only play two of the sides above them - Chelsea and Arsenal, both at home - between now and the end of the campaign.
Howe looks like he knows his best XI at present, with the same small crop of players expected to feature regular in the run in. Nick Pope has worked his way back into the No 1 spot, while Anthony Gordon should reclaim his starting position upon return from suspension.
On the injury front, Sven Botman is pushing for a return before the season ends but the Dutchman will be touch and go. Lewis Hall, spotted on crutches during Saturday’s parade party, will play no part in the final 10 fixtures, however.
Transfer plans
While attention, naturally, switches to what Newcastle can achieve on the pitch, the cogs are turning off it. The Magpies’ hierarchy are known to forward plan their transfer window objectives and now go into the final few months of pre-window discussions armed with the knowledge they can offer any potential incoming players the guarantee of European football - in some form - next season.
Paul Mitchell took his spot on one of two parade buses around the city centre this week but, just like Howe, will back to the task at hand between now and the summer. The scouting team at St James' Park have used the recent months to venture further afield in the search of hidden gems, with South America scouted heavily to unearth superstars in the making.
Closer to home, the financial shackles have loosened somewhat as the new financial period approaches. Newcastle's financial situation looks healthier, with the club's 23/24 accounts showing a turnover increase of £70m [£250.3m to £320.3m], ultimately making a post-tax loss of £11.1m - down from the £70m+ losses of the two years prior.
Additional sponsorships have been brought on board, more corporate matchday offerings can be found inside St James' Park and merchandise sales continue to increase. There is an expectation that with the start of a new rolling three-year PSR period, United will have greater capacity to spend at last.