Newcastle boss Howe expects Champions League race to go to the wire

Newcastle United are readying themselves for a race for Champions League football that will go to the wire, says Eddie Howe.

The Magpies beat 10-man Ipswich Town 3-0 on Saturday thanks to goals from Alexander Isak, Dan Burn and William Osula at St James’ Park.

That win lifted them into third place in the Premier League, with a top-five finish enough to secure Champions League football for next season.

The Opta supercomputer gives Newcastle an 80.7% chance of finishing in the top five, though Howe expects the race, which also involves Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, Chelsea and Aston Villa, to go to the final day.

“It will go down to the wire,” Howe told BBC Sport, having made his return to the touchline following a spell away due to illness.

“The important thing today was that we bounced back from last week. We have been very consistent, and now we have four huge games.”

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Speaking to Sky Sports about the final matches of the season, Howe added: “They do [feel like a cup final]. With four games to go, you’re ticking down.

“We have put ourselves back into a strong position, but we know it can change quickly. Four huge games.”

Such was their dominance, Newcastle recorded a 78% share of possession against Ipswich, the highest by any team in a Premier League match this season.

Isak’s opening goal, meanwhile, was his 22nd in the Premier League this season, the most of any Newcastle player in a top-flight campaign since Alan Shearer also scored 22 in 2003-04.

“You need everyone playing at their max level for these last four games,” Howe said of the striker.

“For Alex, as long as he is scoring, the confidence levels will stay where they are.”

Newcastle’s run-in sees them take on Brighton, fellow Champions League hopefuls Chelsea, second-place Arsenal and finally Everton.