‘Serious contender’ - Newcastle United given fresh Champions League hope that supporters will love
Former Manchester City and Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has tipped Newcastle United to finish in the top four this season.
Many had begun writing the Magpies’ campaign off until a recent turnaround. Wins over Chelsea, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest have reignited Newcastle’s season on both domestic fronts.
Victory against West Ham United on Monday could lift Eddie Howe’s men up to third if results go their way. However, given how tight the table is, they can drop as low as 13th with a defeat.
European football was the aim in August after Newcastle agonisingly missed out last year. A return to the Champions League is the dream scenario having sampled the promised land 12 months ago.
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But competition remains stiff as Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Manchester United are also challenging for one position, assuming Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal make up the top three. A fifth spot may open up depending on how English clubs perform in UEFA competition this season.
Ex-Premier League stalwart Sagna has backed Newcastle to clinch fourth spot come May. He told Mega Dice: “Newcastle are the team that will secure the final Champions League place. Newcastle have been playing well. They have good players, they have consistency, and they have a good coach. They have a great project at Newcastle.
“They play without any pressure because I don’t think anyone tipped them to finish in the top four this season. They have a great investor, but he's composed. They're not just buying players, they want to build a team, and they’ve managed to slowly improve their squad and are capable of beating any of the bigger teams in the Premier League.
“Newcastle are hopeful of playing in the Champions League, and the club is used to playing for those objectives, which is not the case for Fulham, Brighton and Nottingham Forest. Newcastle is the most serious contender for the Champions League.”