Newcastle United given strong hope of automatic Champions League qualification last night
Newcastle United are still in with a strong chance of qualifying for the Champions League knock-out phase without the need to play a two-legged play-off.
In all honesty, the last thing Newcastle needs right now is another two games added to the schedule that is proving very difficult for the side to cope with once again.
Of course, on the flip side, more games equals more money and more money means more freedom to spend, which will hopefully lead to this schedule congestion becoming more manageable.
A win tonight against PSV would launch Newcastle up to sixth in the Champions League table. The top eight qualify for the knock-out phase.
A point tonight would all but guarantee Newcastle's participation in the play-offs
A draw against PSV tonight doesn't mathematically guarantee the Magpies a place in the play-offs, but it would practically cement their place. A win would guarantee at least a play-off place.
Beating PSV certainly isn't going to be easy, and if that isn't a big enough challenge, Newcastle would still have to get something, probably a win, next week in Paris when they take on PSG to secure their automatic progression.
Newcastle have a score to settle in the French capital after being cruelly robbed there two seasons ago in the Champions League, but holding a grudge doesn't mean they'll rise to the occasion.
PSG aren't unbeatable
What may give the Magpies hope, however, is that PSG were beaten last night by Sporting CP, proving that they are far from untouchable.
Obviously, this whole thing is moot if we don't do the business against the Dutch champions tonight at St James' Park.
The game is live on TNT Sports with a kick-off time of 8pm. Let's do this!
