Newcastle United are doing all they can to save this season, with European qualification still on the cards with four games to go.
It has been a strange campaign for Newcastle United, and one that could have a happy ending after threatening to unravel.
After the highs of the Champions League, Eddie Howe had to battle through a tough winter. He had so many major injury problems, while the players he had fit could not keep up with the demands of competing in multiple competitions.
It resulted in an early European exit, while the League Cup dream came to an end at the quarter final stage. All the while, our Premier League form dipped and it was just a battle to remain in the top half.
FA Cup could have been the end of Newcastle United’s season
The 2023/24 season looked like it hinged on the FA Cup, and that journey came to an end on March 16th. The Magpies were beaten by Manchester City, crashing out of the FA Cup in the quarter finals.
For most, that was the season over. No silverware, and our European hopes hanging by a thread.
But there has been a resurgence by Newcastle United since the international break, with Howe’s side picking up 13 points from a possible 18. With four games to go, the Magpies are seventh but have Man United in their sights.
Sixth is very attainable, but people inside the club are looking even higher up the table.
Where Newcastle insiders think they can finish
That is according to Chris Waugh, who has spoke on Pod On The Tyne about Newcastle United insiders believing that the team could even finish as high as fifth.
“I was slightly surprised by this,” he said.
“This is not me saying that Newcastle are saying ‘we are going to finish fifth and this is the target’. Having conversations with people saying ‘sixth place looks really achievable now’, ‘yeah, don’t forget fifth place, we’re still going for fifth’.
“It shows the mentality. I was guilty of this, post that Manchester City FA Cup game, thinking ‘what have Newcastle got left to play for here’.
“The feeling inside the club from those who are driving Newcastle forward, that’s not how they’ve ever felt. They’ve always been targeting these European positions. Even now, when it looks like sixth is attainable, it’s like ‘we could potentially get fifth here, let’s try and get it’.”
Comparing Newcastle’s run-in to Tottenham’s
As it stands, Newcastle are seven points behind Tottenham. The Magpies have four games remaining, while Spurs have five. But while Ange Postecoglou’s side have a game in hand, they have some very difficult fixtures.
There could be a real opportunity for Newcastle to close the gap, providing they sort out their away form.
There is a chance, but it feels unlikely that Newcastle will catch Spurs. The Magpies’ main focus needs to be on finishing above Manchester United and claiming sixth.
That could be good enough to qualify for the Europa League, but only if Manchester City beat the Red Devils in the FA Cup final at the end of next month.
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