Alan Shearer names the two teams who will miss out on Champions League football after Newcastle United loss

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Newcastle United are locked in a battle for Champions League qualification.  

What has already been an historic campaign for Newcastle United could yet end in more glory if they can reach the Champions League for the second time in three seasons. 

They sit third in the Premier League, albeit they will drop to fourth if Nottingham Forest beat Tottenham on Monday night. 

It’s a congested Premier League table, made all the tighter after Newcastle lost 4-1 to Aston Villa on Saturday. 

Still, Eddie Howe’s side are in a strong position and will fancy their chances about getting back to winning ways when they host Ipswich at St James’ Park on Saturday.  

Talking about the race to reach Europe’s elite club competition, Alan Shearer has provided a fresh prediction. 

• READ MORE: Who is Alan Shearer? Stats, Height, Wife, Daughter, Net Worth

Alan Shearer makes new Champions League claim after Newcastle lose to Aston Villa  

The Newcastle legend was asked for his prediction when speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day 2 on Sunday night. 

Despite the fact Newcastle lost heavily at Villa Park, Shearer believes they will still secure a finish in the top five.

Indeed, Shearer thinks Chelsea – who beat Fulham in dramatic fashion on Sunday to move into fifth – and Forest will be the ones to miss out.

“Maybe Chelsea and Forest may miss out,” he said when asked for his prediction. 

How can Newcastle United qualify for the Champions League?

The top five clubs in the Premier League will qualify for the Champions League, offering all the teams involved in the race a major boost. 

Last season, 68 points were enough. During the 2022/23 campaign, Newcastle claimed fourth spot with 71 but 68 would have been enough. The year prior to that, a points total of 70 would have done the trick.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LiverpoolLiverpool	33	24	7	2	75	31	44	79
2	ArsenalArsenal	33	18	12	3	61	27	34	66
3	NewcastleNewcastle	33	18	5	10	62	44	18	59
4	Man CityManchester City	33	17	7	9	64	42	22	58
5	ChelseaChelsea	33	16	9	8	58	40	18	57
6	Nottm ForestNottingham Forest	32	17	6	9	51	38	13	57

Based on that logic, Newcastle could need at least three more wins to secure a spot. With Ipswich up next and Chelsea and Everton still to come to St James’, that feels doable. 

While not an exact science of course, it’s looking achievable.