Gary Neville predicts Newcastle United’s chances for Champions League qualification
Gary Neville has backed Newcastle United to leapfrog Nottingham Forest and qualify for the Champions League.
Eddie Howe’s men achieved the feat two years ago when they were the Premier League surprise packages. No longer unfancied more than three years into the Saudi-backed takeover, the Magpies are well-placed for another European push.
A crucial victory on Sunday saw Newcastle move up to fifth - and three points behind Nottingham Forest. While the performance was patchy, United hung on to edge out the Tricky Trees 4-3 at St James’ Park.
A tight Champions League race sees just seven points separate fourth and 11th. The situation is complicated further by the likelihood that England appear set to be given an extra spot given the Premier League’s impressive performances in UEFA competition.
Liverpool await Newcastle next on Wednesday - a fixture many are calling a trial run for next month's Carabao Cup final. Speaking ahead of the clash, former Manchester United captain Neville tipped Newcastle to cement a Champions League spot.
“I think Nottingham Forest have been absolutely amazing, the story of the season. But I think they’ll find it hard to hang on," he told Sky Sports. “I hope they hang on in there, but my feeling is it’s going to be tough for them to hang on in there.
“I think City, Villa, Newcastle, Chelsea might just (catch them)… 12 games is a long way to go. I feel like it could be a long 12 games for Nottingham Forest. I hope that they do stay there because I think that would be amazing for the Premier League.
“We need to see clubs that have been in the bottom one season getting up into the top six, top four, that’s what we need. At the moment, I’m saying City, Newcastle and Villa in the top five, but it could easily be Forest and Chelsea. I think it’s really so close."