Has Erik ten Hag secured Man Utd’s Champions League spot? (Photo: Getty)
Paul Merson believes that Manchester United and Newcastle have already secured their place in the Premier League top four.
Following the last round of fixtures, Arsenal and Manchester City have officially qualified for next season’s Champions League, but there are still two more spaces up for grabs.
Newcastle and United currently occupy third and fourth-place and are at least six points clear of Tottenham in fifth having played fewer games.
Much can change in the run-in however, with Aston Villa, Liverpool and Brighton all still vying for a coveted top four slot.
The Red Devils’ chances were deal a blow on Thursday night when they drew 2-2 at Spurs having been two-goals up at half-time and face another tricky test on Sunday when they host Villa who are unbeaten in 10 games.
But Merson believes Erik ten Hag’s team have done enough to book their place in the UCL, with the Arsenal legend telling Sportskeeda: ‘This will be an interesting game.
‘Manchester United were all over Spurs in the first half of their 2-2 draw on Thursday night. They made some changes subsequently and things were all over the place for Manchester United and Spurs probably deserved to win by the end of it.
Eddie Howe is close to returning Newcastle to the Champions League (Photo: Getty)
‘Aston Villa are flying under Unai Emery. Last week against Fulham, they were dominant and did not let Fulham register even one shot on target.
‘Villa trail United by six points in the table. But Manchester United have two games in hand over them. Personally, I think United have booked a berth in the Champions League.
‘It’s a big game and a win will help Villa put pressure on United for a top four spot. But United have a rather favorable set of fixtures coming up. I think the two teams are going to play out a draw on Sunday.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-2 Aston Villa
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Merson is also convinced that the Magpies have done enough to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 2003, with Eddie Howe’s side set to take on bottom of the table Southampton on Sunday.
He added: ‘Newcastle United haven’t gone around and thrown money even though they’ve got rich owners. They brought in an excellent manager and made some excellent signings. Fair play to them, they’ve done a great job by being judicious with their resources.
‘The Champions League will be a better place with them and their fans. As long as they have their eye on the ball, they will blow Southampton away.
‘The Magpies did go through a dip in form but have now won seven out of their last eight games. Southampton don’t stand a chance against this high-flying Newcastle team.
Prediction: Newcastle 3-0 Southampton
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‘It’s a big game and a win will help Villa put pressure on United for a top four spot.’