Jamie Carragher backs Newcastle United to take Champions League spot and says who will miss out

The race for the Champions League is heating up with Newcastle United closing the gap to Chelsea down to just goal difference thanks to their 3-0 win over Leicester City on Monday night.

While it is expected that England will be handed an extra Champions League place due to the UEFA coefficient, that means a fifth-placed finish will secure a spot in the Champions League.

However, to be safe, the race is still on to land the fourth spot and a guaranteed place in the draw.

Chelsea, Newcastle, Manchester City and Aston Villa are fighting over the two spots with not a lot to separate the four clubs in terms of points.

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Jamie Carragher expects Newcastle to be in the Champions League next season

Newcastle have a game in hand and the better form and are now being backed to take fourth, although judging Nottingham Forest's performance at the weekend, we could even steal third. But let's not get carried away.

Speaking on Sky Sports (h/t Metro) after Newcastle's victory over Leicester, Jamie Carragher said he expects Newcastle to take a Champions League spot along with Manchester City, meaning Chelsea will miss out.

“Looking at the fixtures and Newcastle having a game in hand, I think Nottingham Forest will just do it, I think Chelsea will miss out as they have the toughest fixtures.

“Newcastle will make it and I think Man City will just make it as well. Those last four fixtures, you would expect Man City to win all four, even with the troubles they have had this season. I think Aston Villa will just miss out.”

Newcastle's game in hand will be vital

Momentum is definitely with Newcastle right now and that game in hand will play a huge part in the final outcome.

A win over Crystal Palace will send us three points clear of Chelsea, provided we also beat Manchester United at the weekend, obviously.

We have Aston Villa and Chelsea to play before the end of the season too, so we could effectively end both of their challenges, although it will be tough. Our run-in isn't the easiest, but our belief and our form is better than those around us.