'Most serious contender': Ex-Arsenal star now makes huge prediction about Newcastle United

It has been a rollercoaster of emotions for Newcastle United fans and those connected with the club at the start of this season as things got off to a strange start.

Newcastle were picking up points while playing absolutely shocking football, but then turned their performances around but lost the ability to score goals and win points.

After three wins in a row it now looks as though the Magpies have turned a corner and pundits are now starting to take Newcastle more seriously.

The Premier League table is very close so far this season with Newcastle in eighth position but just one point behind third-placed Chelsea.

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Bacary Sagna sees Newcastle bagging a Champions League place this season

It's anyone's game right now, especially when it comes to those coveted Champions League spots, but former Arsenal man Bacary Sagna has told Mega Dice (via Newcastle World) that he believes Newcastle have what it takes to claim a Champions League spot this season.

“Newcastle are the team that will secure the final Champions League place. Newcastle have been playing well. They have good players, they have consistency, and they have a good coach. They have a great project at Newcastle.

“They play without any pressure because I don’t think anyone tipped them to finish in the top four this season. They have a great investor, but he's composed. They're not just buying players, they want to build a team, and they’ve managed to slowly improve their squad and are capable of beating any of the bigger teams in the Premier League.

“Newcastle are hopeful of playing in the Champions League, and the club is used to playing for those objectives, which is not the case for Fulham, Brighton and Nottingham Forest. Newcastle is the most serious contender for the Champions League.”

Newcastle want to be back amongst Europe's elite

Newcastle, of course, missed out on European qualification last season after Manchester United beat Man City in the FA Cup final and took the last European spot out of our hands.

It may well have been a blessing in disguise, however, as Newcastle now have fewer fixtures this season and can use that to their advantage.

However, it's not a habit we want to get into as we'd much rather have those European nights ... and that European money.