What can be decided this weekend?published at 11:25 9 May
11:25 9 May
Mark Mitchener BBC Sport Senior Journalist
Image source, Getty Images
A lot of teams play their penultimate Premier League game of the season this weekend.
Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool have qualified for the Champions League. Aston Villa can finish no lower than fifth so will be in the Europa League at worst. Liverpool’s Europa Conference League place for winning the Carabao Cup reverts to the league and Sheffield United have been relegated.
But much is still to be decided.
Despite nobody being able to win the title just yet, here is what could happen...
Aston Villa can clinch the fourth and final Champions League place despite not playing until Monday:
If Tottenham lose on Saturday, Villa qualify without kicking a ball;
If Tottenham draw, Villa qualify if they draw with Liverpool on Monday;
If Tottenham win, Villa qualify if they beat Liverpool.
Tottenham can ensure a top-five finish:
If they win, Newcastle United lose and Chelsea and Manchester United both fail to win.
Failing that, Spurs can ensure a top-six finish - Europa Conference League at worst:
If they win AND Chelsea and Manchester United both fail to win;
If they win AND Newcastle lose AND one of Chelsea and Manchester United fail to win;
If they draw AND Chelsea and Manchester United both lose.
The other two relegation places could also be settled this weekend.
Burnley will be relegated:
If they fail to win at Tottenham on Saturday, whatever happens elsewhere;
If Nottingham Forest win against Chelsea.
If Burnley win and Forest draw, the Clarets will be teetering and will need a huge swing in goal difference on the final day of the season when the two sides meet.
Luton Town are slightly better off than Burnley, but will be relegated:
If they lose at West Ham AND Nottingham Forest avoid defeat;
If they lose AND Burnley win, even if Forest lose;
If they draw AND Forest win.
If Forest match Luton's result, the Hatters will be on the brink as they would need a big swing in goal difference on the final day.
Newcastle v Brighton: Pick of the statspublished at 11:03 9 May
11:03 9 May
Here are the key facts and figures before Saturday's game between Newcastle and Brighton in the Premier League.
Having failed to either win or score in their first four Premier League home games against Brighton, Newcastle have won 2-1 and 4-1 in their last two matches against the Seagulls at St James’ Park.
Brighton are looking to complete the league double over Newcastle for the third time - previously doing so in 2020-21 and 1978-79.
Newcastle have scored in all 18 of their Premier League home games so far this season. They most recently scored in 100% of their home league games in a single campaign in 1982-83 and have not done so in the top-flight since 1958-59.
Since beating Sheffield United 5-0 in February, Brighton have scored just five goals in their past 10 Premier League games. It is their lowest return in a 10-game spell since netting four times in 10 games between February and April 2022.
Anthony Gordon has been involved in more home goals than any other Newcastle player in the Premier League this season (16 – nine goals, seven assists). It is the most by a player at St James’ Park in a single top-flight campaign since Alan Shearer in 2003-04 (18 – 15 goals, three assists).
Joao Pedro has scored nine league goals this season - he could be the fourth different player to net double figures in a single Premier League campaign for Brighton after Glenn Murray (twice), Neal Maupay and Alexis Mac Allister.
Champions League semis shows depth of Newcastle achievementpublished at 15:51 8 May
15:51 8 May
Joe Bradshaw BBC Sport Senior Journalist
Image source, Reuters
Spare a thought for Eddie Howe.
While Borussia Dortmund and Paris St-Germain were going at it for a place in the Champions League final on Tuesday evening, the Newcastle boss could be forgiven for contemplating what might have been
Drawn against both sides in this season’s fabled ‘group of death’, the Magpies went toe to toe with both last autumn, memorably thrashing the French champions at St James’ Park but ultimately coming up short in the face of experienced and savvy European giants.
Indeed, twin defeats to Dortmund home and away cost Howe’s side dearly, albeit it was a tight loss in the North East with Callum Wilson hitting the bar and Anthony Gordon twice coming close to stealing at least a point.
Not to mention that draw in the French capital where Kylian Mbappe netted a controversial late penalty that denied the Magpies all three points.
If nothing else, the fact Dortmund and PSG made the semi-finals - the former progressing to Wembley - demonstrates the calibre of opposition Newcastle were forced to rub shoulders with on their return to the elite.
And they did not look out of place.
An injury crisis of seismic proportions may have derailed hopes of returning to the tournament next season, but the recent form of Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes and Gordon among others has reminded Europe of exactly what they are capable of.
A strong finish across the final week – with three eminently winnable games against Brighton, Manchester United and Brentford – will ensure some form of European football next season (see below post).
And it may just convince their current crop of superstars that the future remains bright at St James’ Park.
How do Newcastle qualify for Europe?published at 15:50 8 May
15:50 8 May
Image source, Getty Images
Newcastle United's late charge has put them in the driving seat for European qualification - but what are the permutations.
If finishing fifth:
Four points separate them from free-falling Tottenham, with both sides having three games left. If Newcastle leapfrog Spurs, they will be guaranteed a place in the Europa League next season.
If finishing sixth:
The winners of the FA Cup get a place in the Europa League.
Because Manchester City have qualified for the Champions League, if they win at Wembley on 25 May, the European place gets reassigned to sixth in the league so Newcastle would take it.
However, if Manchester United beat their rivals in the FA Cup final, they will go into the Europa League and Newcastle will have to settle for the Europa Conference League.
If finishing seventh:
Newcastle will qualify for the Europa Conference League if Manchester United win the FA Cup - and also finish above the Magpies.
They will also make it from this position if a team other than Manchester United finish sixth and the Red Devils do not win the FA Cup.
Confused?
The simplest way would be to just concentrate on clinching fifth place over the next 10 days.
Newcastle 'will want double' for Isakpublished at 12:15 8 May
12:15 8 May
Image source, Getty Images
BBC Radio Newcastle's Matthew Raisbeck doesn't think "anybody could pay the money" to prise Alexander Isak away from the Magpies.
The 24-year-old has attracted attention from across the footballing world, after becoming the first Newcastle United player to score 20 goals in a single Premier League season since Alan Shearer back in 2003-04 (22 goals).
Speaking to BBC Radio Sussex on the Albion Unlimited podcast, Raisbeck said: "He is electric. When he gets the ball near the penalty area or in the box, you feel as though it is going to end up in the net every time. He doesn't miss too many chances.
"He had a penalty saved at Burnley at the weekend, which was a shock, but then he scored a goal a few minutes later. Until then, he had scored all of his penalties for Newcastle.
"He is just so cool in front of goal and so reliable. His footwork and his movement is something we haven't seen anything like at Newcastle.
"There's been a debate in the north east, over the last two years, about whether Callum Wilson is Newcastle's best striker since Alan Shearer - the answer was probably yes for a few years, but now the answer will be Alexander Isak.
"Not only has he got so much ability, but he is scoring goals as well. He has scored 20 Premier League goals and 24 goals in all competitions. Alan Shearer was the last Newcastle player to score 20 Premier League goals - and that was 20 years ago!
"Newcastle paid £62m for him almost two years ago. He is their record signing. So given how much he has improved and taken to the Premier League, I don't think anybody could pay the money for him.
"I think they will be wanting double for him because he is that important and that good. There is no sense of the club wanting to sell him."
'We thought they would write this season off, but they rallied'published at 11:44 8 May
11:44 8 May
Image source, Getty Images
Newcastle United are still on course to secure European football for the second season in a row, with the Magpies sitting in sixth place on 56 points with just three games to go.
As Eddie Howe's side prepare for their last home game of the season against Brighton, BBC Radio Newcastle's Matthew Raisbeck has been analysing their season on the Albion Unlimited podcast: "We thought that Newcastle's season was going to fizzle out two months ago - that they were going to fall away from European contention and possibly end the season very much mid-table with just a view towards next season.
"We thought they were just going to write this season off, but they have rallied. After going out of the FA Cup and then losing to Manchester City in the middle of March, they have come back really strong.
"People will remember their comeback win against West Ham, when they were 3-1 down, that was their first game after the March international break. That was really critical - had they lost that, I think this season would have probably been over.
"They have won four out of their last five games and five out of their last seven games - so those results have propelled them up the table to where they are now in sixth.
"They could still mathematically finish fifth, which would be incredible.
"Getting any kind of European football after the season they've had, with all of the challenges and adversities, would be brilliant.
"The supporters would be delighted with that, and so would Eddie Howe as well."
Magpies 'in driving seat' to qualify for Europe againpublished at 12:57 7 May
12:57 7 May
Matty Renton Fan writer
Somehow, thanks to Eddie Howe, Newcastle United find themselves in the driving seat for European football. It is all in the Magpies' hands - if they win their final three games, they will seal Europa League football next season.
It is an exciting race that is heating up, with Chelsea hot on their heels and in good form.
I was at Turf Moor on Saturday to witness an impressive 4-1 away win. I went into it thinking an awkward game awaited us, with Burnley in decent form and fighting for their lives, but a makeshift Newcastle side got the job done.
Howe switched things up to a 4-4-2, starting Callum Wilson alongside Alexander Isak, and both got on the scoresheet. Credit Wilson as well, as he became Newcastle United's second-highest Premier League goalscorer. Quite a bit of catching up to do on Alan Shearer, mind!
After the game on the supporters' coach home, many of the Toon Army were looking up the table instead of fearing Chelsea and Manchester United behind them. Only four points behind Tottenham, who have tricky fixtures, we fancy catching them for fifth place.
Spurs seem to be in freefall and the Magpies are smelling blood. If Howe could overtake them and finish fifth, with the injury crisis he has dealt with this campaign, it would be a ridiculous achievement.
Strap yourselves in for a ferocious end to the season!
Your thoughts on Saturday's gamepublished at 12:20 6 May
12:20 6 May
We asked for your reaction to Saturday's match between Burnley and Newcastle.
Here are some of your answers:
Burnley fans
Mike: That's what capitulation looks like. Miserable game and miserable Bank Holiday weather. [Vincent] Kompany must be wondering how he ended up here. Championship football cannot come soon enough.
Bob: Just when there was a small ember of hope, this team finds a way to snuff it out before you get too excited. Vincent, this season is down to you. Playing youngsters who had little or no experience of first-team football, let alone in England and not playing the team that walked the Championship. The [James] Trafford v [Arijanet] Muric debate all season. Why ?
Jack: Was a really good start but we just weren’t able to hold on and Newcastle showed why they were in the Champions League earlier this season. Have to accept our fate now after Nottingham Forest won, but hopefully we can do it again in the Championship.
Steven: Don’t know where that performance came from after the first 15 minutes but remember they are a very good side! Poorest performance for a while in the biggest game of the season. Let’s get ready for next week - stranger things have happened!
Newcastle fans
Simon: Very positive team performance, We managed the game well and were quick and strong going forward. Given our injuries, particularly in defence, the back row performed well. Dan Burn is in form in his more natural centre back role. I am feeling positive about our final few games and chase for sixth place. Well done team - Eddie, staff and above all fans.
Kegs: Cracking performance. [Jacob] Murphy had probably his best game for the club. The whole team stepped up and we looked so dangerous when attacking. The goals are flowing at just the right time of the season.
Liam: Eddie Howe is more a manager of the year candidate this season than last. In contention for top five, with a threadbare squad and the most lost minutes due to injury and missing players in a season is incredible. If we get above media darling Ange's [Postecoglou] Spurs, he's pulled off one of the greatest seasons ever.
Geoff: This is what we’ve been waiting for - a rampant Newcastle team. In a mood like this they are difficult to contain but what a joy to watch. When all of our players are back, they will dominate no matter the opposition. Well done the Toon.
Catch up on the weekend's Premier League actionpublished at 09:06 6 May
09:06 6 May
Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Friday and Saturday's six Premier League fixtures.
Gossip: Wilson faces uncertain futurepublished at 07:51 6 May
07:51 6 May
Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson's future remains uncertain with the 32-year-old Englishman strongly linked with a move away from St James' Park. (Mirror), external
'Newcastle are a dangerous team in full flow'published at 19:21 4 May
19:21 4 May
Image source, Getty Images
Newcastle United goalscorer Sean Longstaff, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "There was some really good stuff in there, they started really well. Under the cosh for first 15 minutes but the first goal settled it down and from there you saw our attacking players take over the game.
"When we're really aggressive and running forward we are a really good team. It's been there in fits and starts this season, but a really good day and something to build on."
On Newcastle's attacking players: "We've got the luxury, when everyone is fit, of some elite forward players. Alex [Isak] scored, Will [Callum Wilson] scored and Jacob [Murphy] was chipping in with assists. When we are fully fit and you bring Miggy [Almiron], Joelinton, Harvey Barnes on, it's a top squad. Unfortunately for us it hasn't been like that all season."
On his goal: "I'm happy to score. Me and Jacob and Tino [Livramento] have a good relationship off the pitch. Jacob played a lovely pass and I just had to get good contact. It was a good end to the first half and you can see when we are in full flow we are a really dangerous team."
On Newcastle's fans: "They follow us up and down the country and there's days where unfortunately for us we've not been there, so it's good to give them away day to remember - there's nothing better."
'A big step forward'published at 18:54 4 May
18:54 4 May
Image source, Getty Images
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "A really good performance, we knew Burnley would be on it, it was a big game for them. It's an intimidating place to come but when we got control of the game and started to settle, I thought we showed our we showed our quality and scored four great goals.
"Tactically we tweaked things around and I was really pleased to see we still gelled together. A really good performance. A lot of pace, a lot of quality but you need it to gel for the performance to be as strong as you want it to be."
On Alexander Isak: "I say it very week. An outstanding talent. Technically gifted, pace, took his goal well today. He'll be disappointed with his penalty but that's just one of those things. Another really good display, I thought him and Callum Wilson looked really well again today, especially in the transitions."
On poor away form: "We've been fighting that, determined to change our away form and be more consistent. Away one against Crystal Palace was poor. Today was a much better performance, a much better feel around the group. We know we've got goals, we have to defend better but it was big step forward today."
On the European places: "We're in there there fighting and scrapping. Nothing will be decided today, it puts us in a better position. We've got three big games coming up."
Burnley 1-4 Newcastle: Key statspublished at 17:44 4 May
17:44 4 May
Newcastle United have won five of their last seven Premier League games (D1 L1), scoring at least four goals in four of those victories. They have scored at least four goals in nine different league games this season for the first time since 1951-52 (also 9).
Burnley’s defeat was their 22nd in the Premier League this season (W5 D9), only in 2009-10 (24) and 1975-76 (23) have the Clarets lost more times in a Football League campaign.
Eddie Howe took charge of his 100th Premier League game for Newcastle United, recording his 49th win in the process. Only Kevin Keegan (55) has more wins for the Magpies as a manager in their first 100 top-flight games.
Burnley have now lost each of their last six league meetings with Newcastle. Only against Wolves (10 games in August 2002), Manchester City (10 games in January 2024) and Arsenal (10 games in August 2019 and 7 games in April 1971) have they endured longer such runs in the Football League.
Anthony Gordon now has 10 goals and 10 assists in the Premier League this season, becoming just the third Newcastle player to hit double figures for both goals and assists in a single campaign after Andrew Cole in 1993-94 (34 goals, 13 assists) and Ruel Fox in 1994-95 (10 goals, 11 assists).
Callum Wilson is now Newcastle United’s outright second-highest scorer in the Premier League with 47 goals. Only against West Ham (12) and Everton (8) does he have more goals in the competition than against Burnley (6).
Full-time: Burnley 1-4 Newcastlepublished at 17:06 4 May
17:06 4 May
Burnley are staring at a second Premier League relegation in three seasons after being humbled at Turf Moor by a rampant Newcastle United.
The visitors took the lead with their first attack of the game as Callum Wilson reacted quickest to slot in after Arijanet Muric parried Alexander Isak's effort back into the danger area.
Eddie Howe's men looked devastating each time they poured forward and took total control by netting twice more before half-time courtesy of first-time finishes by Sean Longstaff and Guimaraes.
Josh Brownhill tugged Anthony Gordon's shirt in the box in the second half and though Isak's penalty was saved by Muric, the Swede lashed in soon after for his 20th league goal of the campaign.
Dara O'Shea's header gave Burnley a late consolation goal but Newcastle's emphatic victory moves them up a place to sixth, two points ahead of Manchester United who travel to Crystal Palace on Monday (kick-off 20:00 BST).
Were you at the match or did you follow it from elsewhere?
Burnley v Newcastle: Sutton's predictionspublished at 11:02 4 May
11:02 4 May
Chris Sutton is making predictions for every Premier League game this season against a variety of guests.
For this weekend's matches, he takes on Kings of Leon drummer Nathan Followill.
Sutton's prediction: 3-3
I am at this game for Radio 5 Live, and I am really looking forward to it because both teams have hit a bit of form.
I used to play for Blackburn so I always get a nice reception when I go to Turf Moor, but I have to say I admire how Burnley have kept going this season.
Vincent Kompany's side should have beaten Manchester United last week, but they have still given themselves a chance of staying up with three games to go.
They will throw everything at this game, while Newcastle are in the mix for sixth place and will be right up for it too.
I love what Alexander Isak is doing for the Magpies but, like his team-mate Anthony Gordon, his numbers do drop off when they are on the road.
Both players should have a chance to improve their away stats on Saturday, but I don't think Newcastle will have things all their own way.
Image source, Getty Images
