If the statisticians are to be believed, Newcastle fans have nothing to worry about when it comes to our hopes of sealing a Champions League finish.
Following the latest set of Premier League results, Opta Stats have updated their predictions and top-four probabilities; which make very encouraging reading for us Mags.
They believe we now have a 97% chance to finishing in the top four, ratings Man Utd’s chances at 96% and Liverpool’s at just 7%. The bookies also agree, as Sky Bet rate our top-four hopes at 1/16.
We currently sit NINE points clear of Jurgen Klopp’s side with just five games to play, also having a superior goal difference to the Reds. Essentially, if we pick up seven points from a possible 15, Liverpool could not mathematically catch us – even if they go on to win all five of their remaining games.
Brighton would end up on 73 points if they won all of their remaining games (7), but the Seagulls’ top-four hopes are rated at less than 1%, with Man Utd, Man City, Arsenal and Aston Villa still to play in the midst of a hectic schedule.
Here’s the Opta Stats released on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football – a reassuring prediction for anyone still worried about Liverpool and Brighton:
With Leicester, Leeds and an out of sorts Chelsea still to play, along with home games against Arsenal and Brighton, it’s hard to see us picking up less than seven points.
It’s not done yet, but I just don’t see a world where we collapse AND Liverpool win all five of their remaining fixtures after making hard work of Forest and Spurs over the past week.
Oh well if the statisticians say it, it must be true!
BykerBill(Quote)