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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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.
5. Tottenham Hotspur (third easiest run-in)
Remaining fixtures: Crystal Palace (H), Aston Villa (A), Brentford (H), Leeds United (A). Average position of remaining opponents: 11.8 (12th).
6. Manchester United (second easiest run-in)
Remaining fixtures: Brighton (A), West Ham (A), Wolves (H), Bournemouth (A), Chelsea (H), Fulham (H). Average position of remaining opponents: 12th
7. Liverpool (easiest run-in)
Remaining run-in: Fulham (H), Brentford (H), Leicester City (A), Aston Villa (H), Southampton (A). Average position of remaining opponents: 12.4 (12th).