Though another trip to Wembley won’t be on the cards for Newcastle United this season, this past weekend of FA Cup fixtures might have just given the Magpies an advantage in the race for Champions League football.
One of Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest or Manchester City will hoist the FA Cup high at the end of the season, but all is still to play for in the race for the five Champions League spots.
But with injuries, form and a favourable fixture list ahead, is a perfect storm brewing for Newcastle to capitalise and become a favourite to qualify for the UCL next season?
Despite some inconsistent performances this season, the fact remains that Erling Haaland rivals Alexander Isak as the best striker in the Premier League today.
But following on from Man City’s win against Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon, where Haaland was forced off due to injury early in the second half, Pep Guardiola is now down to just Omar Marmoush in terms of central goal threats.
The Cityzens’ Monday night statement concerning the Norwegian’s injury stated that he should be back to play some part of the run in, but Fabrizio Romano reports that he’ll miss the majority of their remaining nine league games.
So whilst Newcastle fans can’t entirely discount Haaland missing the entirety of City’s run-in, it seems the Norwegian will miss games like the Manchester derby and a home clash with an in-form Crystal Palace later this month.
Erling Haaland's ankle injury takes shine off Man City's FA Cup win | The Independent
There is just five points separating 10th and fourth, but a fair few contenders in the mix have gone off the boil lately, handing us a big chance to capitalise as we head into a winnable run with momentum from our cup win.
Bournemouth may be enjoying arguably their best ever season in the top flight, but if recent results are any indicator, it will take something special if they are to still be in contention for Champions League football come May.
The Cherries haven’t won at home in 90 minutes since the end of January. Similarly, Chelsea have undergone their own inconsistent run of form, with losses against Brighton, Aston Villa and Man City forcing the Blues to be part of the chasing pack.
This is where Howe’s Newcastle, who’ve proven in the last two campaigns that they excel in the business end of the season, can capitalise on a number of teams lacking momentum and consistency to rack up some points, with four of our next five against bottom half sides.
Last season, 66 points saw Spurs secure fifth place in the Premier League. The year prior saw Liverpool earn 67 en-route to confirming their place in the Europa League.
If Newcastle were to reach similar heights, they’ll need at least 19 points from their final 10 league games. An average of 1.9 points per game, this is slightly higher than the average of 1.67 they’ve accumulated so far from their first 28 games.
However, Newcastle have the benefit of playing both Ipswich and Leicester in the run up to the end of the season, which should be six points.
Coupled with home games against Man Utd – who Newcastle dominated at Old Trafford – Chelsea – who the Mags have already beaten at St James’ Park this season – and Everton on the final day, Newcastle might just control their own destiny in the race for Champions League football, and should head into these final 10 games as a firm favourite to finish at least fifth in the league.