Nuno drops fresh Champions League verdict as Newcastle United receive incredible gift

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Newcastle United’s Champions League dream has become stronger without kicking a ball.

The Magpies are becoming more and more likely to qualify for the Champions League, with Eddie Howe’s side sitting third in the Premier League table with four games to go.

A top five finish will do the job for Newcastle United, who have a two point advantage over Nottingham Forest in sixth and a five point lead over Aston Villa in seventh.

However, that would have changed had Nottingham Forest been victorious on Thursday night. Unfortunately for them, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side lost 2-0 to Brentford as their European aspirations took a hit.

Nuno ‘not really worried’ as Nottingham Forest suffer Champions League hit

Forest have gone from Champions League favourites to outside of the top five in the blink of an eye.

Goals from Kevin Schade and Yoane Wissa handed them a crushing defeat at the City Ground – one that could be decisive in the race for European qualification.

But Nuno is more concerned about his side’s performance, rather than where the result leaves them in the table.

“It’s a bad night and a bad game,” he said.

“I’m not really worried about the table, I’m more concerned about the mistakes we are making and how to correct them.

Nuno added: “We didn’t create too much, Brentford defended well. We have to compete much better to achieve what we want. The way we did it in this game is not normal for where we are. There are still four games to go, a lot of football to be played. We have to focus on ourselves and play better football.”

Newcastle United’s most important remaining fixture

Newcastle United are in a simple position. If they win all their remaining games, they will be back in the Champions League.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
3	NewcastleNewcastle	34	19	5	10	65	44	21	62
4	Man CityManchester City	34	18	7	9	66	43	23	61
5	ChelseaChelsea	34	17	9	8	59	40	19	60
6	Nottm ForestNottingham Forest	34	18	6	10	53	41	12	60
7	Aston VillaAston Villa	34	16	9	9	54	49	5	57

Of course, that is easier said than done – especially with Brighton away up next. The Magpies have not won at the Amex Stadium since 2017.

Out of Newcastle’s remaining fixtures, one stands out as being the most pivotal.

After facing Brighton, Newcastle United welcome Chelsea to St James’ Park. That is going to be the decisive fixture, as three points will strengthen their European aspirations while it could also dent Chelsea’s hopes.

The other important fixture in the Champions League race comes on the final day of the campaign. Chelsea and Nottingham Forest are set to face each other.

That is good news for Newcastle, but it will count for nothing if Eddie Howe’s side do not get the job done themselves.

As always with Howe, he will not be focussed on what other teams are doing. His priority is ensuring that Newcastle United win football matches, starting on Sunday against Brighton.

Newcastle will be without Joelinton at the Amex Stadium, with the 28-year-old suffering from a knee problem. However, Anthony Gordon’s fitness has improved after a strong week of training.