Newcastle United is now two points behind sixth place in the Premier League.
Newcastle United might finish sixth and still qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Many fans had lost up on repeating last year’s top-four heroics, which saw the Magpies join Europe’s elite for the first time in 20 years. Eddie Howe pushed Newcastle beyond their weight class, with numerous players fighting for relegation two seasons ago facing European heavyweights.
Newcastle’s financial constraints prohibited them from significantly strengthening their ranks, and as a result, they have suffered a drop in form. The Magpies are presently eighth in the Premier League, two points behind sixth-place Manchester United.
Qualifying for Europe this season would be a triumph, keeping money sources flowing at St James’ Park. However, an unexpected UEFA regulation change might restore Newcastle’s Champions League eligibility.
English clubs compete with their European rivals for an additional Champions League spot. UEFA’s main sporting tournament will be rebranded next season, and a new coefficient will rank clubs based on their performance in 2023-24.
England currently behind Italy and Germany, with two extra berths available, although this could alter before the end of the competition. If Premier League clubs overtake either country, a fifth-place finish domestically would guarantee a spot at UEFA’s top table.
But West Ham United’s involvement in the Europa League throws another wrench in the plans. The Irons will face Bundesliga powerhouse Bayer Leverkusen in the opening leg of their quarter-final on Thursday.
If West Ham wins the competition and finishes fifth in the Premier League, they will be able to qualify for the Champions League in sixth place, as Europa League winners have already done. That may be enough to convince Toon fans to wear claret and blue on Thursday nights from now until May.
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