Newcastle United are on the brink of a return to the Champions League.
Eddie Howe’s side sit fourth in the Premier League heading into the final day of fixtures, knowing a second qualification for the Champions League in three seasons is very much in their hands.
Newcastle United host Everton at St James’ Park on the final day of the campaign, a season that has already seen them make history by winning the Carabao Cup.
Champions Liverpool and second-placed Arsenal are already in the hat for next season’s Champions League draw, while three other English teams will join them.
The top five in the Premier League table will earn a place in next season’s elite European competition.
With that in mind, here’s a look at what Newcastle United need on the final day of the season to qualify.
Photo by Xavi Bonilla/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Photo by Xavi Bonilla/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
What Newcastle United need to qualify for the Champions League
If Newcastle win: If Newcastle beat Everton on the final day of the Premier League season, they will qualify for the Champions League. Aston Villa could theoretically still catch them but it would take an almost impossible swing in goal difference. They’d need to score 13 goals against Manchester United and hope Newcastle don’t find the back of the net themselves.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
If Newcastle draw: Should Howe’s side draw with the Toffees, they will end the season on 67 points. In that case, they will need to hope neither Villa nor Chelsea win their respective games.
If Newcastle lose: A loss would be hugely disappointing for Howe, although it would not mean they absolutely cannot qualify. In that event, however, they would need Villa to lose.
Newcastle United have already qualified for Europe
By winning the Carabao Cup, Newcastle United have qualified for the Conference League.
If they finish sixth, however, they will earn qualification for the Europa League.
Should they finish seventh, they will stay in the Conference League and the other qualification spot for that tournament will go to the team who finish eighth in the Premier League.
European football awaits Newcastle next season. It has been a remarkable few months on Tyneside and Howe’s side would surely fancy their chances of winning either the Conference League or the Europa League next season.
Still, Newcastle sources are confident of qualifying for the Champions League and for good reason. Letting it slip from here would be an almighty disappointment.