Newcastle United have just five games left to play in their mission to seal Champions League qualification - but how does their run-in compare to top four rivals?
Following Sunday afternoon’s 3-1 win over Southampton, Eddie Howe’s side know nine points will mathematically guarantee a return to Europe’s elite for the first time in 20 years.
Indeed, the Magpies’ fate is very much in their own hands but Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion still hold some hope of chasing them down.
Howe’s men face Arsenal, Leeds United, Brighton, Leicester City and Chelsea during their run-in.
Here, NewcastleWorld runs you through each European rivals’ run-in from ‘easiest’ to ‘hardest’ based on the average league position of each side’s remaining opponents.
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1. NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: Alexander Isak of Newcastle United ( 2nd from left) celebrates after scoring the team's fifth goal with team mates during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St. James Park on April 23, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United ( 2nd from left) celebrates after scoring the team’s fifth goal with team mates during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St. James Park on April 23, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
2. Brighton & Hove Albion (hardest run-in)
Remaining fixtures: Manchester United (H), Everton (H), Arsenal (A), Newcastle United (A), Southampton (H), Manchester City (H), Aston Villa (A). Average position of remaining opponents: 8th. Photo: Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images
3. Aston Villa (2nd hardest run-in)
Remaining fixtures: Wolves (A), Tottenham Hotspur (H), Liverpool (A), Brighton (H). Average position of remaining opponents: 8th (8.25).
4. Newcastle United (3rd hardest run-in)
Remaining fixtures: Arsenal (H), Leeds United (A), Brighton (A), Leicester City (H), Chelsea (A). Average position of remaining opponents: 11th (10.8).