Does Newcastle have a better chance of qualifying for the Champions League than Chelsea? – BBC

Newcastle: Pete Davey, LoadedMag NUFC, external

Newcastle are flying high, playing high intensity football and we love it. We are clearly one of the most successful teams in the league to date and fully deserve the applause that awaits us. But can we maintain it?

Over the course of the season I think we can, but will it be enough for Champions League football? I’m not so sure, even if it would be an exceptional achievement.

Chelsea had an indifferent start under Graham Potter, with mixed results. History suggests they’re a certainty for the top four, but I don’t think that’s a given with question marks already surrounding Potter and his players after their poor performances.

Will Newcastle finish ahead of Chelsea? I believe him. However, I think both will miss out on the Champions League, finishing fifth and sixth.

Chelsea: Ross Mooring, Chelsea Fancast, external

There’s no doubt that Chelsea have had a tough run recently, losing to Brighton and then to Arsenal at home on Sunday after a very poor display.

However, the Blues are a team missing several players – Reece James, N’Golo Kante and now Ben Chilwell – along with other fitness issues in the squad.

They are also a side that have dominated AC Milan home and away in the Champions League just last month.

Newcastle, Eddie Howe and his players certainly deserve a ton of credit for what they have achieved this season, and they have outdone Chelsea so far.

But if Chelsea’s first-choice XI return intact from the World Cup, it won’t be long before we see the Blues return to the top four.

Check out the rest of this weekend’s Premier League proceedings here