Ally McCoist makes Newcastle top four prediction after Antonio Conte exit

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The news coming out of Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday night could have a huge impact on Newcastle United and the race to qualify for the Champions League.

It was announced that Antonio Conte has left his job at Spurs by mutual consent, with Cristian Stellini set to take charge for the rest of the season.

Daniel Levy will not appoint a new manager for their final 10 games of the season, which could influence who finishes where with multiple teams vying to be in the top four.

Newcastle are one of those clubs, and currently sit two points below Spurs in fifth. Eddie Howe’s side have two games in hand, however, and have a lot of momentum heading into the final stretch of the 2022/23 Premier League campaign.

But who is the favourite to finish in the top four following Conte’s departure? Ally McCoist has given his view.

Ally McCoist tips Newcastle to finish fourth now

Speaking on TalkSPORT on Monday, host Laura Woods asked Ally McCoist who is the favourite to finish fourth following the news of Conte’s Tottenham exit.

“Newcastle,” he said.

Woods was initially surprised, prompting McCoist to add: “You thought I was going to say Liverpool, didn’t you?”

“Yes I did,” she replied.

Newcastle could be third by the end of this weekend

McCoist was defiant in his decision that Newcastle are now the favourites for fourth. But does Conte’s exit hurt or hinder Spurs? Only time will tell.

But the main thing is momentum, and the Magpies have that thanks to back-to-back wins over Wolves and Nottingham Forest. Howe’s side were inspired by Alexander Isak, and Alan Shearer believes his goals can propel the club into the Champions League.

Newcastle are still the hunter rather than the hunted, with two points keeping them outside of the top four. However, we could be as high as third by the end of the upcoming weekend.

The Magpies will leapfrog Manchester United with a win, while we will also go above Spurs if they fail to beat Everton.

It could be a defining weekend in the race to qualify for the Champions League, and McCoist believes Newcastle are now the favourites. Let’s hope he is right.