I predicted Newcastle's final 10 games - Could this be enough for Champions League?

As we enter the business end of the season, Newcastle United have ten crucial Premier League games left to play in a pivotal final few months.

In this piece, I will predict each of our remaining fixtures, accumulate the points tally, and compare that to past seasons to see if it would hypothetically be enough to claim Champions League football; which looks set to be on offer for the league's top five teams ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The final 10

Brentford (H) - 2-1 win 

Going into this game, St James' should still be in party mode, but Howe will want the players fully focused on building on that big win at Wembley two weeks ago. A warm welcome for the heroes who brought home the trophy is expected, and I anticipate that this atmosphere alone will be enough to see off an unpredictable Brentford side who have been much improved on the road in recent months.

Leicester (A) - 0-3 win 

We are just too good for Leicester. They look all but set for a return to the Championship, and after a swift dismissal of the ex-Premier League Champions 4-0 earlier in the season, I expect a similar turn of events in a few weeks.

Man Utd (H) - 1-0 win

In recent years, this is a fixture that has brought us much joy, and with the Red Devils fighting for a top 10 place whilst we're competing for UCL football, I think quality, organisation, passion and intensity will prevail once again. 1-0 will probably flatter them on the day.

Crystal Palace (H) - 2-0 win

Yes, I'm predicting four wins in a row, but, with our aspirations, it's a game we should be looking to win. Palace are a side in form and can cause even the very best in this league issues on their day, but, when we have Alexander Isak leading the line, it's difficult to be pessimistic.

Aston Villa (A) - 2-0 loss

I had to predict a loss at some point, and out of the fixtures we have left this seems to me as the most likely match day where our good form will stutter. Villa are in a similar boat to ourselves and a loss here could be detrimental to the top four/five-race, and unfortunately at this moment in time, I see us getting a result here as unlikely. Hopefully, their Champions League run will distract them and increase fatigue so I'm wrong and we can get points that will prove crucial in the run-in.

Ipswich (H) 4-0 win

This is a very similar game to the Leicester encounter, a case of our side simply being too good for Ipswich. I like Ipswich, especially given the Sir Bobby links, but I really hope we turn them over on this occasion, and I think that'll probably be the case. Another Alexander Isak hat trick, watch this space.

Brighton (A) - 1-1 draw

A game I never look forward to. We have infamously struggled to get the better of Brighton after we both came up in 2017, especially at the Amex. Since the promotion season, we've played at their ground seven times, losing three times and drawing the other four. So, looking at those stats, I feel a draw is the most probable outcome and a good point I believe it would be.

Chelsea (H) 3-1 win

A big, potentially Champions League qualification-defining game at St James'? I only see this going one way. A fast start will blow them away, 3-0 by the interval and a coast to three points in the second half. Unsure as to why I'm this confident, just feels like one of those games where the result is inevitable.

Arsenal (A) - 2-2 draw

Undoubtedly our toughest game remaining on paper, but after our triumphs at the Emirates in the Carabao Cup, we have every reason to be confident. Without getting ahead of myself, Arsenal are obviously a great side that will want revenge, and a point seems a fair judgement right now. A draw that would hopefully put us in a superb position going into the final day.

Everton (H) - 2-0 win

Last game of the season, win to clinch UCL football? I back the lads completely. Everton will be worn out after their Goodison goodbyes, so the game is there to be won. I can just picture the bedlam at St James' after the final whistle now.

Would it be enough?

Accumulating the points tally acquired in these ten games (23) to our current points tally after 28 games (47) we would end on a very respectable 70 points.

Last season, this would mean a fourth-placed finish, whereas in both the 2022/23 and 2021/22 season's it would leave us in fifth after 38 games played. 70 points would also be one point below the tally we gained in the 2022/23 season, where we saw Champions League football brought back to the North East.

It's crucial to note that after the English representatives' success across the European competitions this season, England has climbed the UEFA Coefficient Rankings to a position to claim an extra qualifying spot for the Champions League. Meaning, that the fifth place position that would be our final spot in the league in previous years, would be enough.

Also, it's important to recognise that whilst I have tried my best to remain impartial, some predictions are obviously more optimistic than others, as I'm backing Eddie Howe and the team to build on the recent shift in momentum and be hungrier for more. However, who can blame me after the few weeks we've had?

One thing for sure is I'll be backing and cheering on the lads until the final ball is kicked as we chase our most successful campaign in decades.