Eddie Howe’s side must prove that they belong among the best by beating Everton and returning to the Champions League
Newcastle have it in their hands to qualify for the Champions League this season and are eager to finish the job on final day, coach Eddie Howe has said. A win against Everton at St James’s Park will be enough to ensure the Magpies qualify for Europe’s elite competition for the second time in Howe’s tenure.
This season the Premier League moved its Best League in the World tag from competition for the title to a struggle for the five available Champions League spots. Chelsea, Manchester City, Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa and Howe’s side are all in the running for the remaining three spots after Liverpool and Arsenal secured the first two.
Any of those sides could realistically fail to make it but Newcastle have a great chance after Everton fulfilled their final dream of the season and retired Goodison Park last week. In front of their home fans, against a visiting Everton side 13th in the league and looking forward to a month’s holiday in the sun, the Toons will have very few excuses.
“To be at home in front of our supporters is what we would have asked,” said Howe in his press conference ahead of the game. “It is in our hands. I don’t think we can ask for any more at this moment.”
“But then you have to do the difficult part and take that opportunity and it is by no means a given – Everton have been in really good form.
“They’ve been difficult to beat and haven’t conceded a lot of goals, the challenge is a big one. We will have to be focused and concentrate on what we need to do to win the game, and hopefully then the crowd can carry us through.”
Newcastle have been in good form as well this season, having beaten all four of the other sides currently in the top five. They overpowered champions Liverpool in the EFL Cup to secure their first trophy in 56 years, and they just fell short of pipping Arsenal to second place at the Emirates last week.
Reacting to that match, which saw Newcastle lose 1-0 after a Declan Rice goal, How said: “There was a disappointment in the squad after that result, we thought we deserved more from the game.
“But training has been lively this week. The lads have been in good spirits, and we are looking forward to [the game against Everton]. It will be a great atmosphere and a great occasion, and hopefully that consistency of performance we’ve had for a long time continues.”
Howe’s side are clearly building something special. Making a return among Europe’s elite next season is one objective sign of it. But another will be retaining their top players, especially striker Alexander Isak, who has proved himself to be one of the best strikers in the Premier League and is now on the radar of other clubs, including Arsenal.
Keeping the Sweden international will be a boost going into next season. For now, however, he may just be unable to help his side finish the season on a high after sustaining a groin injury last week.
“Alex is doing OK. He hasn’t trained with us yet but has made good progress,” said Howe. “The next few days will be crucial to his availability for the weekend. There is a chance. We will only play him if he is fit to contribute. We will leave the decision on Alex until tomorrow.”
