Newcastle in driving seat as race for Champions League spots hots up

Newcastle Uniteds bid to get back into the Champions League is gathering pace with Eddie Howes side looking at the Premier League table knowing their destiny lies firmly in their hands as they prepare to host beleaguered Manchester United on Sunday.

Last season, Newcastle played in Europes elite club competition but fell by the wayside in the Premier League as the squad tried to cope with a bruising schedule.

Although they finished above Manchester United, the Old Trafford side won the FA Cup to qualify for the Europa League leaving Newcastle out of European competition altogether.

Without the distraction of a continental campaign this season, Newcastle have diverted their attention to competitions at home and won their first domestic trophy in 70 years as they lifted the League Cup by beating Liverpool.

That has not diluted Newcastles focus on the league where they have won their last three games to sit in fifth place.

Arsenals famous victory over Real Madrid at The Emirates in midweek confirmed that five Premier League teams are guaranteed Champions League spots next season.

As things stand, fourth-placed Chelsea, Newcastle (both 53 points),Manchester City (52) and Aston Villa (51) are vying for two spots, although Fulham (48) and Brighton amp; Hove Albion (47) are not completely out of the picture with seven games left.

Newcastle have a game in hand, however, and Howe said the battle for European spots is going to hot up on the home stretch, while he praised his squad for staying focused after ending the clubs trophy drought stretching back seven decades.

HUMBLE GROUP

That was the biggest challenge for us, I cant compliment them enough, Howe said. They are a very down to earth, humble group who want to do well and represent the club in the right way. They