Gary Neville has changed his mind and backed Newcastle United to finish in the top four because the Magpies' confidence will be 'so high' following three wins in less than a week.
Neville has previously tipped either Spurs or Liverpool to finish above Newcastle because of those sides' experience in top four battles. However, with nine games to go, Newcastle are flying in third after five straight wins in the Premier League.
Newcastle are currently above Manchester United on goal difference and the black-and-whites are also three points clear of Spurs with a game in hand, knowing that Cristian Stellini's team still have to visit St James' Park next week. Liverpool, meanwhile, are 12 points behind Newcastle in eighth place.
READ MORE: Amanda Staveley reveals stadium talks with architects as Newcastle 'desperately need to invest'
After only winning one league game between New Year's Eve and March 4, Newcastle have found a second wind at just the right time and Neville was mightily impressed by how Eddie Howe's side defeated Manchester United, West Ham and Brentford in the space of just six days.
"What a week," the former Manchester United captain told his self-titled podcast. "To beat Manchester United, West Ham away and Brentford away - that's a tough week. To get nine points is a brilliant performance.
"I didn't have them down as top four three weeks ago. Even after the Manchester United game, I thought, 'Well, they have got three tough away games now: West Ham, Brentford and Aston Villa on Saturday. You will probably drop points in that and it will give Tottenham, maybe Liverpool, a chance.'
"But, looking at them now, watching them closely against Manchester United, where I thought they were absolutely brilliant, I think they will finish in the top four now just because the confidence will be so high."
READ NEXT
Joelinton's reaction after Newcastle goal should worry Manchester United, Spurs and Liverpool
Thomas Frank's 'dark arts' plea as Newcastle assistant Jason Tindall changes Brentford approach
Newcastle owners have their man, half-time mastermind revealed and 'good sign' from angry Gordon
Newcastle's half-time masterstroke, £83m dream team unleashed and Ivan Toney taunt - 5 things
Newcastle send ruthless statement to Premier League as Eddie Howe hints at 'all moments' vision
