News
Here we go, an explanation of what is needed for Newcastle United (and others) to confirm top five and Champions League football this weekend.
There are ten Premier League matches in total that remain, involving the six clubs that will fill places second to seventh in the Premier League.
Five of those ten games that involve Arsenal, Newcastle, Man City, Chelsea, Villa and Forest, will kick off at 4pm on Sunday 25 May, the final day of the season.
However, first of all we have the other five of the ten this coming weekend, stretching from tonight (Friday 16 May) to Tuesday 20 May.
Here are those ten remaining matches for Newcastle United and their five rivals.
**Friday 16 May**
Villa v Spurs (7.30pm)
Chelsea v Man U (8.15pm)
**Sunday 18 May**
West Ham v Forest (2.15pm)
Arsenal v Newcastle (4.30pm)
**Tuesday 20 May**
Man City v Bournemouth (8pm)
**Sunday 25 May**
Fulham v Man City (4pm)
Man U v Villa (4pm)
Newcastle v Everton (4pm)
Forest v Chelsea (4pm)
Southampton v Arsenal (4pm)
**BBC Sport [explanation](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/newcastle-united) of what is needed for Newcastle United (and others) to confirm top five and Champions League football this weekend – 16 May 2025:**
_‘Let’s have a look at which clubs can decide their fate this weekend –_
_**Arsenal** will clinch a Champions League spot if they beat **Newcastle** on Sunday._
_A draw will also be enough unless **Chelsea** and **Aston Villa** both win on Friday, and **Manchester City** avoid defeat on Tuesday. But because the **Gunners’** goal difference is significantly better than the sides below them, a draw will realistically ensure a top-five spot, regardless of results elsewhere._
_If they lose, **Arsenal** will qualify for Europe’s elite competition should **Villa** fail to win or if both **Chelsea** and **Nottingham Forest** fail to win. This takes into account that **Forest** host **Chelsea** on the final day and both sides cannot catch the Gunners._
_Because of **Arsenal’s** goal difference, the only scenario in which they could retain a realistic chance of missing out on Champions League qualification would be if they lose and both **Chelsea** and **Villa** win._
_A win will guarantee **Newcastle** a Champions League place UNLESS **Chelsea** and **Aston Villa** both win and **Manchester City** avoid defeat. But because of their goal difference advantage over **Villa**, a win will realistically ensure a top-five spot for **Eddie Howe’s side**, regardless of results elsewhere._
_A draw will be good enough \[for **Newcastle United**\] if:_
_– **Aston Villa** lose (as **Forest** play **Chelsea** on the final day and both sides wouldn’t be able to overtake the **Magpies**)_
_– **Chelsea** lose and **Nottingham Forest** fail to win_
_Should **Newcastle** and **Villa** both draw, **Eddie Howe’s side** would be realistically assured of Champions League qualification because of their goal difference. The same applies if the **Magpies** lose, **Villa** also lose and either **Forest** or **Chelsea** fail to win._
_**Manchester City** will qualify for the Champions League if they defeat Bournemouth and **Villa** fail to win, OR **Man City c**laim victory and both **Chelsea** and **Nottingham Forest** fail to win._
_Because of **Man City’s** goal difference, a point against the Cherries will realistically be enough if **Chelsea** or **Forest** fail to win and **Aston Villa** lose._
_**Chelsea** can’t mathematically clinch a top-five spot before the final day – but if they win and both **Villa** and **Forest** lose, their superior goal difference would make it all but certain. Should **Chelsea** win, **Villa** lose and **Forest** draw, the Londoners would have to lose their last game (against **Forest**) by at least four goals to be caught._
_Note – **Aston Villa** and **Nottingham Forest** currently occupy sixth and seventh in the Premier League table and will need results to go their way even if they win the remainder of their matches.’_