How many points Newcastle United need to seal a Champions League place?

Newcastle United WILL end their decade-long absence from European football next season after a combination of results fell their way on Saturday afternoon.

There were mixed emotions over the Magpies 2-2 draw at relegation threatened Leeds United as two Callum Wilson penalties were only rewarded with a solitary point at Elland Road. However, there was some positive news for Eddie Howe and his players as Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa ensured United will end the season in a top six position.

That will mean the Magpies will return to the Europa League for the first time since they lost a quarter-final tie against Portuguese giants Benfica in April 2013. However, the race for a Champions League place is still very much alive as all eyes turn towards fifth placed Liverpool’s trip to a Leicester City side scrambling for their lives at the other end of the table.

So with just two weeks remaining in the season, NewcastleWorld looks at what lies ahead for Eddie Howe and his players and assesses what number of points they require to secure qualification for all three European competitions.

Remaining fixtures for Newcastle, Manchester United, Liverpool and more

3rd: Newcastle United (35 games played, 66 points)

Brighton and Hove Albion (H), Leicester City (H), Chelsea (A) Maximum possible points total: 75

4th: Manchester United (35 games played, 66 points)

AFC Bournemouth (A), Chelsea (H), Fulham (H) Maximum possible points total: 75

5th: Liverpool (35 games played, 62 points)

Leicester City (A), Aston Villa (H), Southampton (A) Maximum possible points total: 71

6th: Brighton and Hove Albion (34 games played, 58 points)

Newcastle United (A), Southampton (H), Manchester City (H), Aston Villa (A) Maximum possible points total: 70

7th: Tottenham Hotspur (36 games played, 57 points)

Brentford (H), Leeds United (A) Maximum possible points total: 63

What does that mean for Newcastle United’s Champions League hopes?

The equation for the Magpies is a very simple one. If they can win two of their remaining three Premier League fixtures they will be playing Champions League football for the first time since 2003.

However, if Liverpool were to lose at Leicester on Monday night, Newcastle United would require three points from their remaining three games to finish in the top four. If the Reds draw at the King Power Stadium and win their other two games, Newcastle would need four points from their remaining three games to finish in the top four.

Gaining four points from those games would allow Brighton into the picture - but only if the Seagulls beat Newcastle at St James Park on Thursday and take maximum points from home games with Southampton and Manchester City and their final day visit to Aston Villa. The Seagulls would also need a significant swing in goal difference to go their way.

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