Sky Sports pundit declares 'job done' for Newcastle United in Champions League chase despite not being mathematically safe

Newcastle United are three points away from qualifying for the Champions League thanks to their vastly superior goal difference over Aston Villa.

The Midlands side would need to win both of their remaining games, while Newcastle would have to lose theirs to drop out of the running in place of Aston Villa, so a win against either Arsenal or Everton will secure a place in the Champions League for Newcastle.

The Magpies have an excellent record against Arsenal under Eddie Howe, which has been typified by the fact that Newcastle have already beaten the Gunners three times this season.

So while a win on Sunday for Newcastle would pretty much be a case of 'job done' for the Magpies, Sky Sports pundit Michael Dawson believes it's already in the bag for Newcastle.

Michael Dawson is confident Newcastle will be in next season's Champions League

The former Nottingham Forest man was speaking on Sky Sports News and he believes that Eddie Howe's men have already done enough.

“What Newcastle have done, is when they’ve had disappointments, they’ve always come back.

“The job Eddie Howe has done is incredible. Four points ahead of Nottingham Forest who can only get six more, so one more win will ultimately be enough for them because of the goal difference of Aston Villa.

“So, job done for Newcastle in my opinion. One more win and they'll be able to get that."

Newcastle are in control of their own destiny

Dawson did have to add on the end there that they still need one more win, but that win does assume that Aston Villa also win, so if Unai Emery's men lose another game this season, they'll hand the spot to Newacstle.

As we've said many times, though, we don't want ot be relying on other teams for our successes, and we'd certainly like to finish higher than Arsenal this season, which we can do by winning our next two games.

So, let's assume nothing and get out there and be the masters of our own destiny.