Paul Merson now declares favourites in Champions League race as Newcastle United win again

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Newcastle United are currently on course for a return to the Champions League. 

Having already won the Carabao Cup this season, Newcastle United could be about to set the icing on the cake. 

Indeed, Newcastle beat Ipswich 3-0 on Saturday to reclaim third spot in the Premier League, meaning they are on course to join Liverpool and Arsenal in the Champions League qualification spots.  

Still, the race is tight.

Eddie Howe’s side have little margin for error. The Premier League table is congested towards the top five and another slip-up could prove very costly indeed. 

Pundit Paul Merson, however, believes Howe’s side can start dreaming. 

• READ MORE: Eddie Howe reacts as Newcastle United’s Will Osula scores first Premier League goal

Paul Merson makes big Champions League claim after Newcastle United win again  

Merson thought Newcastle got lucky with Alexander Isak’s penalty against Ipswich but still believes they are set to return to Europe’s grandest stage. 

Watching on during Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday show, the former Arsenal and England midfielder was asked whether or not Newcastle were now in “pole position” for a place in the top five. 

Merson believes a “very good” Newcastle are now indeed the favourites.

“I would say so,” he said.

“I would say so. I think they’ve done very well, I think they’re a very good football team.” 

How much could Newcastle United make by qualifying for the Champions League?

It’s difficult to know just how many points will be needed to qualify, of course.

While not an exact science, between 68 and 70 points have been enough to finish in the top four – albeit there is now obviously a fifth place to consider.  

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	34	18	13	3	63	29	34	67
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	33	18	6	9	53	39	14	60

With that in mind, Newcastle – currently on 62 – could need just two wins and a draw from their remaining four games. That’s easier said than done, but its worth remembering Howe’s side have won 20 of their last 26 games.

Reaching Europe’s grandest stage would naturally be huge for the club.

Newcastle could earn £17million by qualifying for the Champions League group stages, while also being able to offer it to both their existing key players and potential new transfer targets.