Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher both believe Newcastle are more likely than Manchester United to drop out of the top four in the final few games of the season.
United currently sit fourth in the Premier League, level on points with third-placed Newcastle, on the same number of games. Liverpool are one point behind but have played an extra match.
Analysing the table, Neville and Carragher both agreed that Newcastle have a trickier run-in, with games against Brighton and Chelsea to come in their last three matches of the season.
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"Newcastle is a little bit of a wobble by losing to Arsenal and drawing at Leeds so I'd say probably Newcastle (are more likely to miss out) and that's not me being overconfident about United's chances, but I think I'd be more comfortable if I was United than Newcastle looking at it with the games," Neville told Monday Night Football. "Chelsea away last game of the season. I know Chelsea have been awful but it's still quite difficult."
Neville continued: "I mean the unthinkable could happen (United missing out on the top four). I've always expected Liverpool to go on this run and finish in top four. I actually thought Newcastle would drop off before this but they've been sensational. I thought Man United would get in the top four so it'd be harsh on Newcastle if they didn't and obviously United have comfortable games there.
"They've got a team near the bottom of the league and two games at home so they'll be shooting themselves in the foot if they don't get in the top four."
Carragher added: "I think Newcastle have been unbelievable all season. They've been one of the teams I've looked forward to watching, they've been outstanding. Even when they drop points it's not necessarily they play badly they just drop points.
"But yeah I think that Brighton game (on Thursday) is absolutely huge and if they drop points in that I think there will be a big worry."
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