Newcastle United’s Champions League qualification prospects have gained momentum following Nottingham Forest’s 2-0 defeat to Brentford on Thursday. The result leaves Eddie Howe’s third-placed side two points clear of sixth-place Chelsea, with four decisive matches remaining.
Nuno Espírito Santo’s side missed a chance to reclaim third after a home loss, intensifying the battle for the top five. Newcastle host Chelsea in a pivotal match on May 10, with both teams fighting for automatic qualification. Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, currently 14th and 16th, could secure Champions League spots by winning the Europa League, potentially adding a sixth English team.
Five clubs will qualify directly through league positions, but a sixth could join if the Europa League winner finishes outside the top five. Aston Villa (seventh) could also qualify by winning this season’s Champions League, though this remains unlikely.
With fixtures against Brighton, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Everton remaining, Newcastle’s fate rests on maintaining their form. Opta’s supercomputer gives them an 84% chance of securing a top-five finish.
If Manchester City win the FA Cup and finish in the top seven, eighth place could enter the Conference League, potentially sending nine English clubs into European competitions.
Newcastle’s 2023-24 accounts revealed a £29.8m windfall from last season’s Champions League campaign, underscoring the stakes. The final matchday clash between Forest and Chelsea could prove decisive, with at least one rival guaranteed to drop points.