Liverpool put Newcastle & Man United in ‘big trouble’ as Gary Neville makes ‘harsh’ prediction

Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher believe Newcastle United are more likely to drop out of the Premier League top four than Manchester United.

Fifth-place Liverpool moved one behind the two clubs last night after a Curtis Jones brace and a Trent Alexander-Arnold free-kick sealed a 3-0 win at Leicester City.

Neville has tipped Jurgen Klopp’s Reds, who are on a seven-game winning streak, to win their remaining fixtures against Aston Villa and Southampton, which would require the Magpies and Man United to claim six points from their three games left to play.

Eddie Howe’s side host back-to-back home games against Brighton and Hove Albion and Leicester City - starting with the former on Thursday night - before travelling to Chelsea on the final day of the season.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils visit Bournemouth on Saturday before ending the campaign by welcoming Chelsea and Fulham to Old Trafford.

Analysing the remaining fixtures, Neville reckons Newcastle are most at risk of missing out on Champions League qualification.

“Liverpool will get 71 points. I don’t think there is any point in Newcastle or Manchester United thinking they don’t have to win two matches each out of their last three,” Neville told Monday Night Football. “They have to win two matches, otherwise they’ll be in big trouble.

“Newcastle is a little bit of a wobble - losing to Arsenal and drawing at Leeds, so I would say probably Newcastle, and that’s not me being overconfident about Manchester United. I’d be most comfortable if I was Manchester United than Newcastle because of the games left.

“I did say three or four weeks ago that I thought Liverpool would finish in the top four and I actually thought Newcastle would drop off before this but they’ve been sensational. It’d be harsh on Newcastle if they aren’t to get into the top four.

Liverpool legend Carragher says it will be a “big worry” for Newcastle if they fail to beat Brighton later this week,

Carragher added: “I just look at that Brighton game off the back of their performance against Arsenal and they’ve still got an outside chance, it’d be really difficult. They’re in great form and they will believe they can go there [St James’ Park] and get a result.

“I do think on the back of Liverpool winning tonight comfortably and Jurgen Klopp at the end, Newcastle will be watching that tonight and thinking ‘Brighton at home, Chelsea away’. Chelsea are on a horrendous run but they’ve still got players who can produce a bit of magic at some point.

Asked who is more likely to slip up, Carragher replied: “Oh, Newcastle.”

Carragher continued: “When you say slip up, I don’t like saying it because I think Newcastle have been unbelievable all season, they’re one of the teams I’ve looked forward to watching. Even when they drop points, it’s not necessarily a bad performance.

“That Brighton game is absolutely huge and if Newcastle drop points in that, I think there will be a big worry on for them.”

Get the latest Newcastle United headlines with our free football newsletter! Follow the action from St James’ Park and beyond as we bring the sport news to you. Visit our website here to sign up.