Jermaine Jenas believes Newcastle United's lack of attacking firepower will cost them a place in the top four this term.
Only Chelsea (23) have scored fewer goals than Newcastle (35) in the top half of the Premier League this term, while Eddie Howe's men have found the net just three times in their last seven league games.
The Magpies still boast the best defensive record in the Premier League (15 goals conceded), but dropped out of the top four for the first time since October following their 2-0 defeat against Liverpool.
Newcastle currently trail fourth-place Tottenham Hotspur by four points, but also boast two games in hand over Antonio Conte's side.
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Nevertheless, ex-Spurs and Newcastle midfielder Jenas expects Tottenham to have the edge over the Magpies in the race for the Champions League.
“I think Spurs will finish in the top four, I think Newcastle will just miss out,” Jenas told FourFourTwo. “Newcastle have had a sensational season, there’s no doubt about that – but their [lack of] goals concern me. The final at the weekend illustrated that.
“Miguel Almiron has had an electric season and they’ve squeezed every ounce out of him – but can they maintain that until the end of the season? I’m not sure he can. Callum Wilson since coming back from the World Cup has been on a downward spiral with his form. He’s not been able to meet the form that got him to the World Cup.
“And Alexander Isak has had his injury problems: he’s going to be the leading light long-term. So the goals are not coming so easily to them and I think that’s where they’re going to fall a little bit short, come the end of the season.”
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