Newcastle players are feeling down after some tough decisions were made. Let’s talk about what’s going on with Bruno Guimaraes.

Bruno Guimaraes makes special request amid Newcastle United’s Champions League mission
James Rutherford
3 – 4 minutes

It is now clear exactly how Newcastle United can qualify for the Champions League.

The Magpies’ European bid took a hit on Sunday, as Newcastle drew with Brighton. While some have viewed that as a disappointing result, it could prove to be an invaluable point.

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With three games to go, Alan Shearer thinks Newcastle will qualify for the Champions League.

The Newcastle United legend believes six more points will be enough to see Eddie Howe’s side over the line, with the Magpies set to face Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton.
How Newcastle United can effectively guarantee Champions League qualification

Newcastle United are in the fortunate position of having two of their remaining three games at St James’ Park.

In fact, Newcastle can pretty much guarantee a place in next season’s Champions League if they win their two games at home.

If the Magpies beat Chelsea and Everton, they will be on 69 points.

Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images

Chelsea would be able to equal Newcastle on that amount, but they are the only club that could overtake them.

That is because Chelsea play Nottingham Forest in the final game of the season. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side can get to 70 points if they win all their remaining games, which in turn would mean that Chelsea could only reach 66 if they were to lose against Newcastle as well.

That fixture on the final day puts Newcastle in a positive position – as long as they are victorious over Chelsea at St James’ Park on Sunday.

The other club to factor in are Aston Villa. The highest number of points they can get is 69, while their goal difference is massively inferior to Newcastle’s.

Two home wins will effectively see Newcastle United over the line and bring Champions League football back to St James’ Park.
Bruno Guimaraes issues St James’ Park plea to Newcastle United fans

Ever since Eddie Howe became Newcastle United manager, St James’ Park has been a fortress.

That must continue to be the case against Chelsea and Everton, which is why Bruno Guimaraes’ recent message to supporters is so important.

After the draw with Brighton, the captain took to his official Instagram account to issue a plea.

He wrote: “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.”

If Newcastle fans can do what Bruno says and create an unforgettable atmosphere then the chances of Champions League qualification will increase. The Toon Army need to make St James’ Park as intimidating as possible for Chelsea and Everton, and hope their opponents wilt under the pressure.

It is a cliché, but Newcastle United need their 12th man for the final two home games of the season.

Eddie Howe has revealed that some of his players were “upset” after being left out of his starting XI at Southampton today – and admitted Bruno Guimaraes did not want to come off at St Mary’s.

Bruno left the field with a frustrated expression and then took to social media and arguably suggested he may be dropped for the next game. In his post-game press conference Howe then issued a warning that nobody was guaranteed a slot in the team and the best way for “upset” stars to respond was to prove to him they are good enough to stay in the side.

In reference to Bruno, Howe, speaking in his post-game press conference, told Chronicle Live: “It is a difficult team to get into at the moment. We have won 10 out of 11. So we have some very, very good players not playing and naturally frustrated. Bruno did not want to come off today.
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“He was feeling ill during the week and we felt it was only right just to try make sure we have him available for next week. So when you do get your chance on the pitch you have to play well.”

The notable omission from his starting selection today was Sven Botman who was left out at the expense of Dan Burn and Fabian Schar. Howe then went on: “I think that is my biggest message to everybody in the squad when you are upset when you get your chance on the pitch, you have to play well.

“That is the biggest thing. That is my big message to everyone in the squad. When you are upset, when you get your chance, you have to play well.”
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One star Howe was delighted with was Sandro Tonali with the Italy midfielder putting in a 10/10 display. Howe said: “Sandro was magnificent today in every way really. His ball winning ability was second to none, that is what we want him to do and how we want him to play.

“He scored a goal which will get headlines. It was a great goal to score and it showed his athleticism. He has just become such an important player for us in a very quick time. I can’t praise him enough for today.”