Newcastle United have three huge games left in the hunt for Champions League qualification.
Assuming Arsenal and Manchester City will join Premier League champions Liverpool in the Champions League next season, Newcastle United are one of four teams going for the final two spots.
Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa are also in the hunt as Eddie Howe’s side look to secure a top five finish in the Premier League table.
Newcastle saw both Villa and Chelsea win over the course of the weekend, while they drew 1-1 at Brighton.
After another dramatic weekend in the Champions League battle, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville gave his prediction.
Gary Neville issues fresh Newcastle United prediction
Neville thinks the Champions League race is “sad”, suggesting the fact that clubs like Newcastle are so “desperate” for the revenue it brings is a poor reflection on the modern game.
Speaking after Chelsea’s win over Liverpool on Sunday, Neville reiterated those comments but still backed Howe’s side to reach Europe’s elite club competition once again.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 2 |  ArsenalArsenal | 35 | 18 | 13 | 4 | 64 | 31 | 33 | 67 |
| 3 |  Man CityManchester City | 35 | 19 | 7 | 9 | 67 | 43 | 24 | 64 |
| 4 |  NewcastleNewcastle | 35 | 19 | 6 | 10 | 66 | 45 | 21 | 63 |
| 5 |  ChelseaChelsea | 35 | 18 | 9 | 8 | 62 | 41 | 21 | 63 |
| 6 |  Nottm ForestNottingham Forest | 34 | 18 | 6 | 10 | 53 | 41 | 12 | 60 |
“I think [Man] City will get in the Champions League and I think now Newcastle will,” he said on The Gary Neville Podcast.
“Because of what’s happened with PSR and the financial stuff in the last few years where so many teams – big clubs – like [Manchester] United, Villa, Newcastle, they’re all on the edge, aren’t they?
“Of sort of breaking the rules and overspending. It really does hamper them and harm them when they don’t get in the Champions League. It’s a massive consequence, so you’re going to have some nervous boardrooms in the next few weeks.”
Neville added: “It’s big, it’s really big and I’m not quite sure it’s right that football is like that. That at this moment in time, relegation is sorted, the title is sorted and we’ve got what would be games for money.”
Champions League permutations: What do Newcastle United need to qualify?
The point at Brighton could be crucial. A win would have been ideal of course but heading to the Amex Stadium has not been easy for Newcastle over the years. Battling back from behind was a strong show of character.
The challenge is set for Newcastle. Seven points from their final three games will be enough to ensure a top five finish. Two of those – with one against Chelsea no less – come at home.
Newcastle could earn £17million by qualifying for the Champions League, while also strengthening their hand in terms of keeping their best players and attracting potential transfer targets this summer.
There are three cup finals left. Having already won one this season, Newcastle have to feel confident.
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