‘All part of the learning curve’ - Paul Merson and Chris Sutton predict Newcastle United’s Europa League fate

Newcastle United’s quest for European football is going down to the wire as Eddie Howe’s side end the season with a trip to the Gtech Community Stadium to face Brentford.

Defeat at Old Trafford in the penultimate game, leaves the Magpies in seventh position. Level on points with eighth place Manchester United, but trailing sixth place Chelsea by three points.

Newcastle have vastly superior goal difference in comparison to both clubs so three points or an outcome that is the same as Manchester United will ensure that the Magpies finish above the Red Devils for the first time since 1975.

However, Chelsea are in the ascendancy in the battle for sixth and the Toon will need the Blues to fall to an unlikely defeat at Bournemouth to have any chance of qualifying for European football.

Ahead of what promises to be a thrilling final day of the season. We take a look at what football pundits Paul Merson and Chris Sutton think of Newcastle’s top six chances.

Paul Merson

Former Arsenal star Paul Merson believes Newcastle will end the season on a high with a victory at Brentford, but feels that it won be enough for the Magpies to secure a top six spot.

He told SportsKeeda: “Newcastle need to win this as if Chelsea lose, they have a chance of making the Europa League due to their superior goal difference.

“They’ve had a decent season and were bang unlucky in the Champions League. You could argue they were a bit naive against PSG, but it’s all part of the learning curve.

“They need to look at keeping their players as teams are going to be sniffing around Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and Bruno Guimaraes. They are a massive team, but I wouldn’t be surprised if some of their stars move on to win trophies. If Arsenal sign a striker like Isak, I think they got another level.

Prediction: Brentford 1-2 Newcastle

Chris Sutton

Alan Shearer’s former Blackburn Rovers strike partner Chris Sutton believes Newcastle will remain in seventh and feels Manchester United will fall to an unlikely defeat against Brighton.

Sutton told BBC Sport: “Brentford’s form has picked up recently and they will want to end the season on a high note, at home on the final day.

“Their manager Thomas Frank has been linked with the Manchester United job, and I understand that in a way, because he’s done an excellent job with the Bees.

“Newcastle United need to at least match Manchester United’s result against Brighton to make sure of finishing seventh. I’m expecting Eddie Howe’s side to do that, but it won’t be easy.”

Prediction: Brentford 2-2 Newcastle