Newcastle United can start to dream of the next stage of the Champions League.
The 36-team league format is helping Newcastle United, who have picked up nine points from their opening four games.
They have won three European games on the bounce without conceding a goal, with Newcastle United’s victory over Athletic Club their latest triumph in the Champions League.
It was another comfortable night for Eddie Howe, despite his side not hitting top gear. They did not need to, with Dan Burn and Joelinton headers enough to give the Magpies victory.
The result leaves them sixth in the table, with progress to the next round looking likely.
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Leon Osman makes Champions League prediction for Newcastle United
That is the view of former Everton midfielder Leon Osman, who is incredibly confident that Newcastle United are going to at least qualify for the knockout phase play-offs.
He spoke about the Magpies on BBC Sport’s Match Of The Day on Wednesday night, admitting that just one more point could be enough to see them through.
“I’m pretty sure that’s enough,” he said.
“Another draw in that home game they’ve got left. I think that will be enough to get them through.”
Newcastle United have four league games left, with their next two away from home. They face Marseille and Bayer Leverkusen away before Christmas, followed by PSV Eindhoven at St James’ Park in January.
Their final game is also on the road, with Eddie Howe’s side travelling to Paris to face PSG on 28th January.
Eddie Howe has given himself a positive Champions League problem
Osman’s prediction does feel slightly premature. Just one more point would give Newcastle United 10 in total, which was not enough to qualify for the playoffs last season.
11 points was enough to reach the playoffs last time out, and the feeling is that a similar total will do the job. In that respect, one more victory should get Newcastle United over the line and into the playoffs.
However, is that enough for Eddie Howe? The Newcastle United manager suddenly has a champagne problem.
His side are flying in Europe, and could carry this momentum towards a top-eight finish. If they are able to stay where they are, they will be able to skip the playoffs and advance directly to the last 16 of the Champions League. That would mean two fewer games to worry about in early 2026.
In that respect, Howe could be minded to continue going all out in the Champions League with Marseille and Bayer Leverkusen on the horizon.
Alternatively, those potentially tricky away trips could be used by Howe as an opportunity to rotate. The hard work has been done in the Champions League, but it is the Premier League where Newcastle United are struggling.
If Howe can rest some of his big hitters in their upcoming European games, it could give them a boost in the Premier League fixtures that immediately follow them. It would be a welcome boost, especially with the Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland coming just days after Newcastle face Bayer Leverkusen in Germany.
It is a nice problem for Howe to have, but he will not be thinking that far ahead. As always, the Toon boss takes things one game at a time.
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