Newcastle United are still in control of their Champions League destiny despite drawing with Brighton.
The Magpies are down to fourth in the Premier League table, while they are level on points with Chelsea after their victory over title-winners Liverpool.
Newcastle United could only draw with Brighton, as Alexander Isak’s late penalty handed Eddie Howe what was a deserved point.
With three games remaining, Newcastle know that maximum points will see them return to the Champions League. If they pick up nine points from a possible nine, they will finish in the top five.
However, Toon icon Alan Shearer does not think Newcastle need that many points to return to Europe’s elite competition.
READ MORE: Who is Alan Shearer? Stats, Height, Wife, Daughter, Net Worth
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Alan Shearer asked about Newcastle United’s Champions League hopes
Following Newcastle’s 1-1 draw with Brighton, Shearer has been asked on The Rest Is Football podcast if he is still confident about the Magpies qualifying for the Champions League.
The Newcastle United legend was emphatic in his response.
“Yeah [I am confident],” he said.
“I wouldn’t change Newcastle’s run-in. They’ve got Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton. Two home games. I would be hopeful and pretty confident they can with those two home games.
“Maybe nick a point against Arsenal. They’re not at it, are they? They’re not as good as they have been or should be because of the situation they’re in with the Champions League.
“Six points will do it. We’ve got to play Chelsea. Chelsea have to play Forest. Six points will be enough for Newcastle.”
Home advantage can help Newcastle United
Eddie Howe will take comfort from the fact that his side are still in control of their own fate. There is no need to rely on others.
It could all hinge on the Magpies’ next game, as Chelsea travel to Tyneside.
In the eyes of Shearer, winning their home games will be enough for Newcastle to get over the line. That will hopefully be the case, which is why it is vital that the Toon Army provide an incredible atmosphere inside St James’ Park.
It can be an intimidating place to play if the atmosphere is right, and captain Bruno Guimaraes has called on supporters to bring the noise next Sunday.
Following Newcastle’s draw with Brighton, Bruno wrote on Instagram: “An important point given the circumstances. We keep pushing toward our goal. Your support will be vital next Sunday — let’s create an unforgettable atmosphere. Howay the lads!”
After the Chelsea game is a trip to Arsenal. That could be daunting, as the Emirates is not a ground that Newcastle traditionally do well at. But they won on their last visit, while Arsenal’s domestic form has seriously dipped amid their Champions League aspirations.
Then Newcastle play Everton at home in the final game of the season. The final Premier League fixture always provides a party atmosphere, and it should be electric if the Magpies are still in need of a result to secure Champions League football.
While nothing is guaranteed, it is easy to understand why Shearer remains confident of a top five finish.
