Newcastle United have the chance to take another giant stride towards Champions League qualification at Manchester United’s expense on Sunday.
The Magpies welcome Ruben Amorim’s side to St James’ Park, with Newcastle hoping to have Anthony Gordon available.
The 24-year-old is in contention to return, while Alexander Isak is expected to feature in Newcastle’s starting XI against Man United.
Eddie Howe will hope his side can continue their good form, as they aim to finish in the Premier League’s top five and return to the Champions League.
It is vital that the Magpies qualify for Europe’s top competition, as PIF aim to make Newcastle an elite club. Champions League football will see a rise in the club’s revenue, which Chris Sutton believes is ‘so important’.
Chris Sutton predicts Newcastle vs Manchester United
Ahead of Sunday’s game, Sutton has predicted the outcome of Newcastle vs Manchester United for BBC Sport.
He has backed the Magpies to be victorious, and believes they will eventually go on to book their place in next season’s Champions League.
“It does feel like Ruben Amorim is steadying the ship at Manchester United but there is nothing much for them to get excited about in the Premier League and it could be a pretty dull end to their domestic campaign, especially because they are finding it difficult to score goals,” he said.
“Like Tottenham, United’s season is hanging on the Europa League now, but their Premier League results still matter for Amorim because he needs to put some credit into the bank going into next season.
“I just can’t see past a Newcastle win here, though. They are one of the teams in this race for the Champions League places and are in great form. Now we know the top five are guaranteed to get in, I am confident they will make it.
“It just shows the value of winning the Carabao Cup because it seems like it has given them a big leg up.
“They will have enjoyed themselves celebrating for a few days but now they are focused on making it into the Champions League, which is so important because of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.
“If they make it, it gives them the opportunity to build.”
Sutton’s prediction: Newcastle United 2 Manchester United 0
Champions League will boost Newcastle’s PSR position
Following the sales of Miguel Almiron and Lloyd Kelly, Newcastle are already in a strong PSR position. The club will be able to invest this summer, as Paul Mitchell prepares to improve Howe’s squad.
However, Mitchell will have even more capacity to do that if Newcastle qualify for the Champions League. Competing in that competition will massively enhance the club’s revenue, with additional money from broadcasters plus extra income from high profile matches at St James’ Park.
If they qualify for the Champions League, Newcastle will be guaranteed to receive a minimum of £17million.
As well as the PSR boost, there will also be the ability to attract higher calibre players. Last time Newcastle qualified for the Champions League, they were able to bring Sandro Tonali to the club.
The Magpies are targeting exciting players in Matheus Cunha and Dean Huijsen this summer, but Champions League football will be essential to tempt both of them to Tyneside.
As Sutton says, Newcastle really can kick on if they qualify for the Champions League, and he believes they will do exactly that.
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