Newcastle United given 'dream' Champions League scenario as Nottingham Forest slip up

A late Alexander Isak penalty at Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday rescued a point for the Magpies to ensure they remained fourth in the Premier League table.

It did allow Chelsea to move level on points and goal difference with United after they beat Liverpool 3-1, however the two teams

Chelsea’s 3-1 over Liverpool hours later moved them level on points (63) and goal difference (GD+21) with United, who remain ahead on goals scored. It sets up a crunch tie between the two clubs at St James’ Park on Sunday (12pm kick-off).

Sixth-place Nottingham Forest missed the opportunity to move level with Newcastle and Chelsea after they were held to a 1-1 draw away to Crystal Palace on Monday night.

Newcastle United can secure Champions League qualification at St James’ Park

Eddie Howe’s side will reach 69 points - if they win both of their home games against Chelsea and Everton.

Nottingham Forest and Chelsea go head-to-head at the City Ground on the final day of the campaign, which is set to work in United’s favour.

Chelsea can still reach 69 points even if they lose on Tyneside this weekend, however they would need to beat Forest on the final day. And that would mean Nuno Espirito Santo’s side dropped points.

If Forest win their remaining three games they would reach 70 points. However, providing Newcastle beat Chelsea, the Blues could then only get to 66 points. That would mean Newcastle would finish fifth with two home wins, unless there was the most unlikely goal difference swing with Aston Villa.

Seventh-place Villa would have to win all three of their remaining games to reach 69 points, though their goal difference is far worse amid a 15-goal swing.

Newcastle United’s dream scenario?

The Magpies’ trip to Arsenal n their last away game of the campaign shouldn’t be forgotten, but having the ability to seal a top-five on home turf will be music to Howe’s ears.

The Newcastle boss has often spoken about the importance of playing at St James’ Park and the impact of the Newcastle supporters.

Current Premier League table

1st: Liverpool - 82 points, GD+46

2nd: Arsenal - 67 points, GD+33

3rd: Manchester City - 64 points, GD+24

4th: Newcastle United - 63 points, GD+21

5th: Chelsea - 63 points, GD+21

6th: Nottingham Forest - 61 points, GD+12

7th: Aston Villa - 60 points, GD+6

Maximum points each team can get

1st: Liverpool - 91 points

2nd: Arsenal - 76 points

3rd: Manchester City - 73 points

4th: Newcastle United - 72 points

5th: Chelsea - 72 points

6th: Nottingham Forest - 70 points

7th: Aston Villa - 69 points

Remaining fixtures

Arsenal

Sunday, May 11: Liverpool (A), 4:30pm kick-off

Sunday, May 18: Newcastle United (H), 4:30pm kick-off

Sunday, May 25: Southampton (H), 4pm kick-off

Manchester City

Saturday, May 10: Southampton (A), 4pm kick-off

Sunday, May 18: Bournemouth (H), 7pm kick-off

Sunday, May 25: Fulham (A), 4pm kick-off

Newcastle United

Sunday. May 11: Chelsea (H), 12pm kick-off

Sunday, May 18: Arsenal (A), 4:30pm kick-off

Sunday, May 25: Everton (H), 4pm kick-off

Chelsea

Sunday, May 11: Newcastle United (A), 12pm kick-off

Friday, May 16: Manchester United (H), 8pm kick-off

Sunday, May 25: Nottingham Forest (A), 4pm kick-off

Nottingham Forest

Sunday, May 11: Leicester City (H), 2:15pm kick-off

Sunday, May 18: West Ham United (A), 2:15pm kick-off

Sunday, May 25: Chelsea (H), 4pm kick-off

Aston Villa

Saturday, May 10: Bournemouth (A), 5.30pm kick-off

Sunday, May 18: Tottenham Hotspur (H), 2.15pm kick-off

Sunday, May 25: Man United (A), 4pm kick-off