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Shearer, Lineker and Richards predict final top five with three games to go

by Jaspar Shepherdson · 7 May 2025, 08:55
Shearer, Lineker and Richards predict final top five with three games to go

Nottingham Forest's recent draw against Crystal Palace was just the latest twist on what's proving to be the most dramatic races for Champions League football ever seen in the Premier League.

Newcastle still have control of their own destiny, but after results this past weekend, things are starting to look a little nervy heading into the final three games.

Alan Shearer has now weighed in on Newcastle's top five prospects along with Gary Lineker and Micah Richards, discussing who they now feel will narrowly miss out this season.

Shearer names two he expects to ‘miss out’

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast alongside Gary Lineker and Micah Richards, Shearer expressed some cautious optimism over our qualification hopes.

“Six points will do it as we’ve got to play Chelsea, we’ve got to play Arsenal. Chelsea have got to play Forest last day of the season. I think six points will be enough for Newcastle.”

And out of the five hopefuls to join Liverpool and Arsenal in next season’s competition, Shearer has tipped two teams to miss out in the coming weeks.

"Forest and Villa miss out for me at the minute, because I think I agree with Micah: there will be twists, there will be times when you think ‘They’re gonna struggle’, but I even think I said it two or three weeks ago, I think Forest and Villa will miss out.”

Lineker and Richards share Shearer's thoughts

And Shearer isn’t alone in his sentiment, as co-host Micah Richards believes our advantage of having two games at St James’ Park will have an understated positive impact.

“I think when Newcastle’s bouncing at home, I maybe agree with Al."
But the former Villa and England defender believes we shouldn’t be taking Chelsea and Arsenal lightly in even the slightest way.
"If Arsenal were to go out against PSG, they don’t want to let their season fizzle out, so I reckon they’ll be up for that game.”
“Chelsea after the signs I saw (versus Liverpool) in terms of being a little more defensive-minded where they need to be. But then being able to go forward on the transition with Palmer, I think that’s a harder game than it was two weeks ago.”
“I still probably think Newcastle do it, but it’ll be harder than Alan thinks, I think there'll be another twist.”
Lineker himself then chimed in with a prediction of his own. “I think you might be right, Al. Aston Villa I think it’s going to be difficult for them: three points adrift of 5th place at the moment and they’ve not got a game in hand.”

Chelsea was a tough-looking game that’s only got tougher in the last 48 hours, but if there’s any time for us to have our ‘cup final’ mentality, it’s this weekend at St James’ Park.

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