Newcastle United will head into the final eight games of the season with Champions League qualification firmly in their grasp.
The Magpies’ 3-0 victory at Leicester City on Monday left them fifth in the table, four points behind third-placed Nottingham Forest.
With a game in hand on the teams around them, Newcastle have a golden opportunity to secure a place in UEFA’s top club competition.
With that in mind, read on as we look at their remaining fixtures to assess whether they will book a spot in the 2025/26 Champions League.
Manchester United (H) – April 13
Manchester United went into this season with ambitions of challenging for a top-four finish, but things have not gone to plan.
The decision to sack Erik ten Hag as manager and replace him with Ruben Amorim has yet to pay dividends, with United still languishing in the bottom half of the table.
However, they have recorded some noteworthy results against top teams over the past couple of months and Newcastle cannot afford to underestimate them.
The Magpies triumphed 2-0 in the reverse fixture and completing the double would be a significant boost to their Champions League qualification hopes.
Crystal Palace (H) – April 16
Crystal Palace are one of the most in-form teams in the Premier League at the moment and could cause Newcastle plenty of problems.
The Eagles have lost just three of their 14 games on the road this season and are in contention to qualify for Europe next season.
Midfielder Adam Wharton has played a key role for Palace since returning from injury and Newcastle will need to keep a close eye on him.
The two sides fought out a 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park earlier in the season and it would be no surprise if their latest meeting is equally tight.
Aston Villa (A) – April 19
The trip to Aston Villa on April 19 is one of several banana skins Newcastle face between now and the end of the season.
Unai Emery’s side are also battling to qualify for the Champions League and are generally a tough nut to crack at Villa Park.
They made some shrewd signings during the winter transfer window and will fancy their chances of denting Newcastle’s European ambitions.
Taking one point from this game would not be the worst outcome, particularly as the next two fixtures look extremely winnable.
Ipswich Town (H) – April 26
Ipswich Town’s 2-1 home defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers over the weekend virtually ended their hopes of avoiding relegation.
They have battled hard to keep themselves afloat in the top-flight, but their squad lacks the quality needed to survive.
Newcastle ran out 4-0 winners when the two sides met at Portman Road in December and are a banker bet to complete the double on home soil.
A comfortable victory here would put the Magpies in a strong position ahead of a testing run of fixtures in May.
Brighton & Hove Albion (A) – May 4
While defeats against Villa and Palace have dented Brighton’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League, they still have plenty to play for.
The Seagulls could book a spot in the Europa League or Europa Conference League next term, which would be fitting reward for a solid campaign.
Brighton are unbeaten in their last four meetings with Newcastle in all competitions and will be eager to enhance that record.
Eddie Howe’s side are undoubtedly capable of winning at the Amex Stadium, but they will need to be at their best to achieve the feat.
Chelsea (H) – May 10
Chelsea’s visit to St James’ Park on May 10 is another fixture which has the potential to be problematic for Newcastle.
The Blues have been inconsistent over the past few months but are still firmly in the mix to secure Champions League qualification for next season.
Chelsea triumphed 2-1 in the reverse fixture, but Newcastle gained their revenge by knocking them out of the League Cup in the last-16.
If the Magpies can pick up three points in their penultimate home match of the season, a top five place will be within reach.
Arsenal (A) – May 18
Arsenal are nailed on to qualify for the Champions League and will likely already have secured their spot when this fixture is played.
That could work in Newcastle’s favour as they strive to return to the top table in Europe having missed out this season.
Having beaten Arsenal home and away in the League Cup semi-final, Newcastle know they can cause them problems.
A draw would not be the worst outcome for the Magpies, setting up what promises to be a memorable game against Everton on the final day.
Everton (H) – May 25
Everton have improved since David Moyes returned for his second stint as manager, but they will have nothing to play for when this game is staged.
By contrast, Newcastle will probably need a victory to guarantee they secure a coveted place in the Champions League next term.
The Magpies have not beaten Everton in their last three league meetings but will be the bookmakers’ favourites to record a victory here.
Qualifying for the Champions League would be a fitting way to end the season for Newcastle and they look a good bet to get the job done.