Emmanuel Petit is backing Newcastle United to clinch a Champions League spot over their Premier League rivals. Not since the 2003-04 campaign have the Magpies competed in Europe’s elite competition, when Partizan Belgrade dumped Sir Bobby Robson’s men out on penalties in the third qualifying round.
Almost two decades of mediocrity have followed, with Newcastle absent from all UEFA competitions since 2012-13. However, the Saudi-backed takeover has fans dreaming of big European nights returning to St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe has Newcastle well-placed in the Premier League ahead of the World Cup break. An impressive start to the season has the Magpies in third place and, with Chelsea to play this weekend, that gap could increase further.
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Few Toon supporters in their wildest dreams could have anticipated Champions League football returning so soon after the takeover last October. Speaking to Lord Ping, former Arsenal midfielder Petit has tipped Newcastle to do exactly that - at Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea’s expense.
“For me, Man City will win the Premier League title, he said. “Arsenal will finish second, Liverpool will finish third and I think Newcastle will beat Tottenham, Chelsea and Man United to the fourth spot.
“Chelsea need a reaction, they have to get points if they want to finish in the top four. The competition will be fierce and Chelsea are far away. It doesn't matter how they win points, they just need to win.”
