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Newcastle will be back in the Champions League - Kenny Cunningham

Kenny Cunningham is backing Newcastle to secure a Champions League spot.
Cian Fahey
Cian Fahey

20.23 2 Apr 2023


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Newcastle will be back in the...

Newcastle will be back in the Champions League - Kenny Cunningham

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Cian Fahey
Cian Fahey

20.23 2 Apr 2023


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Kenny Cunningham joined Stephen Doyle after watching Newcastle United beat Manchester United in the Premier League.

Manchester United lost 2-0 to Newcastle at St. James Park.

Newcastle are now third in the league, in pole position to secure a Champions League spot for next season. Tottenham can overtake them tomorrow night if they beat Everton on Monday Night Football, but Newcastle will still be in fourth position.

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After Liverpool lost to Manchester City, the race for the final Champions League spot was reshaped. That made the winner of Newcastle v Manchester United even more important.

Newcastle haven't played any European football since 2013 and that was the Europa League. They did reach the quarter finals that season before losing out to Benfica. But the last time they played in the Champions League was 20 years ago.

In 2003/04, they featured in the competition's early stages.

But Kenny Cunningham expects them to return for the 2023/24 season.

"I fancy them to be honest with you," Cunningham said.

"I like what I've seen since he got in there, Eddie Howe. And certainly during the early part of this season, I just thought a window of opportunity was presenting itself. Liverpool are having their issues obviously this season. Tottenham really inconsistent season for them.

"I think there was a bit of distraction there post-World Cup, Carabao and Newcastle getting to the final. Maybe the players took their eye off the ball a little bit. There was a bit too much focus on the Carabao Cup final.

"But since that's finished, the whole focus has come back onto the league...the focus is back that they had during the early part of the season.

"I think they will get one of those Champions League places. It will be an absolutely phenomenal achievement for Eddie Howe and his players."

Newcastle next face West Ham on Wednesday.

Shane Long vs Stephen Kenny

 

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