As Newcastle United remain in the hunt for a spot in next season’s European competitions, Eddie Howe will be hoping to exploit any single advantage to help his side.
Following Saturday’s 5-1 thumping of now-relegated Sheffield United, the Magpies occupy seventh place with 53 points and are currently on course to qualify for the Europa Conference League.
Above them by one point in sixth is Manchester United, who slipped up against Burnley over the weekend. Should a last-gasp overtake happen, then Howe and his men can look forward to Europa League football instead.
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Therefore it all comes down to the final four fixtures of the campaign and who can successful traverse their respective run-in schedules. Immediately all eyes trail upon the May 15 clash between Newcastle and Manchester United as what could be the Europa League qualification decider.
This may certainly be the case, though it won’t mean much if the club fail to win their three other fixtures. Up next is relegation-fighting Burnley at Turf Moor, followed by struggling Brighton at home and finally the season ends with a trip to Thomas Frank’s Brentford.
On the surface, two matches out of three taking place away from home should be a worry as after all, Newcastle have faired far greater at St James’ Park than not. However what should boost spirits in turn as that the opponents they must face are equally as weak at home.
First Burnley sit 19th in overall home standings at present, having taken 10 points from an available 51. During this time they have scored 17 and conceded 37.
Following on, Brentford are 16th in the same category as they have earned 21 points from a possible 51 in West London. Their goal difference is admittedly tighter, having scored 27 and conceded 30.
Pair with this Brighton’s away form taking a substantial dip – they are without victory on the road in all competitions since February 18 – plus the fact the Premier League’s strongest visiting team, Arsenal, are yet to travel to Old Trafford, and it seems like the Magpies find themselves in a position they can remain quietly confident of the best outcome for the club.
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