‘I would probably say’: Paul Merson names who will finish higher between Newcastle and Nottingham Forest
The race for Champions League qualification is intensifying, and Newcastle United find themselves firmly in the mix. With the possibility of the Premier League securing five Champions League spots next season, the path to Europe’s elite competition could become slightly more manageable for Eddie Howe’s side.
Currently sitting just two points behind fifth-placed Chelsea, Newcastle remain in striking distance, but the unpredictable nature of this season suggests nothing is guaranteed.
Despite Chelsea’s current position, their inconsistencies, along with Manchester City’s unexpected struggles, leave the door wide open for Newcastle and several other teams.
Beyond Liverpool’s dominant march toward the title and a relatively settled relegation battle, the rest of the league remains in flux. Every team in the top ten has a legitimate claim to a top-five finish, making this one of the most unpredictable campaigns in recent memory.
The Premier League table highlights how competitive the race has become, with only a few points separating multiple clubs. Bournemouth and Fulham, who have both stunned Newcastle this season, remain in contention for a European spot, while Nottingham Forest’s presence in third place stands as one of the biggest surprises of the campaign. Newcastle, however, have managed to take six points from their encounters with Forest, proving they can compete with the league’s unexpected high-flyers.
While Newcastle’s performances have kept them within reach of Champions League football, pundits remain divided on their prospects. Paul Merson recently weighed in on the discussion, predicting that Newcastle might just edge past Forest by the end of the season.
Given how the season has unfolded, finishing above Forest would be a significant achievement considering their strong form. Merson’s comments underscore the unpredictability of this year’s competition, where one or two key results could shift the entire landscape of the race for European football.
A return to the Champions League would be transformative for Newcastle, both on and off the pitch. The club has a storied history in the competition, but the new ownership’s ambition is to make European football a consistent fixture at St James’ Park.
Players like Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak, and Bruno Guimarães have been instrumental in Newcastle’s rise, but maintaining their long-term commitment could become challenging without Champions League football.
While Newcastle hold strong bargaining positions with these key players, missing out on qualification again could test their patience.
Securing a place in the Champions League would not only solidify the club’s status among Europe’s elite but also enhance their appeal in the transfer market. Top-tier talent prioritizes clubs competing at the highest level, and Newcastle’s ability to attract marquee signings would significantly improve with a seat at Europe’s most prestigious tournament.
Without it, the summer transfer window could prove far more complicated, as the club would have to work harder to convince elite players to join without the lure of Champions League football.
As the season progresses, every match carries increased significance, with Newcastle needing to capitalize on every opportunity to climb the table. The competitive nature of this campaign ensures that nothing is set in stone, and a strong run of form could propel them into the top five.
With so many teams still in contention, the fight for Champions League qualification promises to be one of the most compelling storylines in the final stretch of the season.