The Champions League race is heating up, and Newcastle United is involved.
The Premier League could well be awarded five Champions League slots next season, which would make life easier for Newcastle United.
Eddie Howe’s side is currently two points behind fifth-placed Chelsea, but nothing about the Blues or even Manchester City ahead of them suggests they will keep that gap.
However, given the unpredictable character of this season, with Liverpool’s tranquil march to the title and the relegation battle largely over, anything is possible.
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | For | Against | Diff | Points |
| 1 |  Liverpool |
28 | 20 | 7 | 1 | 66 | 26 | 40 | 67 |
| 2 |  Arsenal |
27 | 15 | 9 | 3 | 51 | 23 | 28 | 54 |
| 3 |  Nottingham Forest |
27 | 14 | 6 | 7 | 44 | 33 | 11 | 48 |
| 4 |  Manchester City |
27 | 14 | 5 | 8 | 53 | 37 | 16 | 47 |
| 5 |  Chelsea |
27 | 13 | 7 | 7 | 52 | 36 | 16 | 46 |
| 6 |  Newcastle |
27 | 13 | 5 | 9 | 46 | 38 | 8 | 44 |
| 7 |  Bournemouth |
27 | 12 | 7 | 8 | 45 | 32 | 13 | 43 |
| 8 |  Brighton |
27 | 11 | 10 | 6 | 44 | 39 | 5 | 43 |
| 9 |  Fulham |
27 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 40 | 36 | 4 | 42 |
| 10 |  Aston Villa |
28 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 40 | 45 | -5 | 42 |
When it comes to finishing in the top five, none of the top ten Premier League teams should be overlooked.
Surprise stories may be found anywhere. Bournemouth and Fulham have both blasted Newcastle this season and could still qualify for Europe’s top club competition, while Nottingham Forest is third.
Newcastle just defeated Forest to make it six points from two games this season, but few would argue that the Midlands side has been a surprise package this season.
Paul Merson, a pundit, believes they may narrowly miss out on the Champions League.
Newcastle fans will adore the forecast Paul Merson just made about them
Speaking on Sky Sports, Merson felt the fight for the Champions League was so tight that a shock may yet be expected.
Before a ball was kicked this season, Newcastle finishing ahead of Forest was hardly surprising. However, considering the backdrop of the campaign and how far we have progressed, seeing it happen now would be somewhat surprising.
When asked to anticipate what will happen between now and the end of the season, Merson replied, “It changes. I believe Newcastle would take Forest’s situation at the present.
A Champions League comeback would be game-changing for Newcastle United.
Newcastle are no strangers to Champions League play, and the club’s objective must be to make it a regular occurrence at St James’ Park.
Indeed, crucial players such as Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak, and Bruno Guimaraes are unlikely to want to stay long-term if Newcastle fails to qualify again, despite Newcastle’s strong bargaining position.
Qualifying would not only keep them happy, but it may also benefit potential arrivals significantly.
Newcastle might sign elite players if they reach the biggest stage of their careers again. Without that option, the summer transfer window appears much more difficult.
