What Newcastle United need to happen today to qualify for Champions League if they fail to win against Everton

We don't want to talk about not picking up maximum points at St James' Park today, but should Newcastle United fail to beat Everton this afternoon, it's worth knowing what else needs to happen for us to bag that coveted Champions League place.

Should Newcastle secure the win at St James' Park against Everton today, they will be playing in the Champions League next season. Unless Aston Villa go on a 20-goal rampage against Man United then that would complicate matters, but as bad as Man United are, that's not going to happen, so we don't need to think about it.

However, if Newcastle drop points against Everton today, which can happen, let's not kid ourselves otherwise, then things start to get a bit more tricky.

Nottingham Forest and Chelsea play each other which means that only one of them can gain a big advantage in the race today.

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What needs to happen if Newcastle lose today

Thankfully, Metro have explained in nice, simple terms what needs to happen if Newcastle fall at the final hurdle.

"Newcastle host Everton today and a win would confirm their Champions League spot – unless Villa pull off an unprecedented goal swing as mentioned above.

"If Newcastle draw, they’d require Villa not to win at United or Chelsea to draw with Forest to secure their top-five finish.

"Defeat for Newcastle would see them need Villa to lose, as they would drop behind either Chelsea or Forest."

Let's just win so we don't have to do maths

So if Chelsea and Forest play out a draw and Aston Villa somehow lose, it really doesn't matter what happens in our game. If just one of those results occurs, we're still in there.

But you know what, let's just get out there today and win. Everton have nothing to play for but pride, and I guess spite in the case of Jordan Pickford, so let's just give them a hiding.

Hopefully, the atmosphere will be electric today, and it will scare the pants off the Toffees.

HOWAY EDDIE HOWE'S ONE MORE PUSH MAGS!