Gary Neville thinks Newcastle could MISS out of the top four in favor of Liverpool and Manchester United… while Jamie Carragher agrees and says it will be a ‘big worry’ if they drop points against Brighton on Thursday
- The Premier League heads into the final stages of a thrilling campaign
- Liverpool push Newcastle and Manchester United into battle for top four
- Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher think the Reds could edge Newcastle
Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher have claimed Newcastle are more likely to drop out of the top four than Manchester United before the end of the season.
Both sides have enjoyed impressive campaigns and have spent most of the last few months in the top four, but are now under pressure after superb form from Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have won seven league games in a row, scoring 20 goals in the process and looking back to their best after a difficult season.
The Reds are still a point behind Newcastle in third and Manchester United in fourth after playing one more game meaning their fate is beyond their control, but Neville and Carragher have insisted they could see a situation where Eddie Howe’s side would miss out on Champions League qualification.
“I think Newcastle have been amazing all season,” Carragher said. Monday night football.
Gary Neville (right) and Jamie Carragher (left) have both claimed Newcastle are more likely to drop out of the top four than Manchester United.
Both are under pressure from Liverpool, who have put together a seven-game winning streak
“They were one of the teams I was looking forward to watching, they were exceptional. Even when they lose points, it’s not necessarily that they’re playing badly, they just lose points.
“But yeah, I think Brighton’s game (Thursday) is absolutely massive and if they drop points I think there will be a big concern.”
Neville backed Carragher’s view and felt the games tipped in favor of Erik ten Hag’s side.
Newcastle will face Brighton and Leicester at home, as well as Chelsea away, while Manchester United travel to Bournemouth before hosting Chelsea and Fulham to complete the season.
“Newcastle are a bit shaky losing to Arsenal and drawing at Leeds so I’d probably say Newcastle (to miss) and it’s not me who’s overconfident, but I think I’d be more comfortable if I was United than Newcastle look at it with the games.
Pundits hailed Newcastle but felt they were most at risk from Jurgen Klopp’s side
Neville felt United’s last matches put them in pole position to return to the Champions League
‘Chelsea away the last game of the season. I know Chelsea have been horrible, but it’s still quite difficult.
Neville continued: “I mean the unthinkable could happen (United missing out on the top four). I always expected Liverpool to continue this run and finish in the top four. In fact, I thought Newcastle would fall before that, but they were sensational.
“I thought Man United would get into the top four so it would be tough on Newcastle if they didn’t and obviously United have comfortable games there.
“They have a team near the bottom of the league and two home games, so they will shoot themselves in the foot if they don’t make the top four.”
