Newcastle United have avoided a potentially nervy final-day encounter at Chelsea after confirming their place in next season's Champions League. Eddie Howe's side required a point from the last week of the campaign, and got the job done despite a frustrating stalemate at St James' Park with Leicester City on Monday night.
The Magpies currently sit fourth in the table following Manchester United's 4-1 win over Chelsea, but can no longer can be overhauled by Liverpool despite a run of seven wins from eight matches for Jurgen Klopp's side. Newcastle can still finish ahead of Erik ten Hag's side if they beat Chelsea on Sunday, and Manchester United fail to beat Fulham at Old Trafford.
When it comes to qualifying for the Champions League, Newcastle will enter the group stage regardless of whether they finish third or fourth in the Premier League.
READ MORE: Newcastle United's new £25m a season sponsor will 'raise the bar' for Magpies in transfer window
The Magpies are set to bank a minimum of £30 million from participating in the Champions League, with further payments due dependent on the team's progress. However, the final-day trip to Stamford Bridge is not the dead-rubber encounter it is now perhaps viewed as, bearing in mind the Premier League payout.
That is because when it comes to the final calculations, a proportion of the division's financial rewards is attributed to 'merit payments'. While the prize money per position has not been publicly disclosed by the Premier League, but the breakdown from recent seasons means each higher spot is said to be worth in the region of £2.2m.
Now, Newcastle's draw with Leicester means they will finish fourth if Manchester United beat Fulham on the final day. But if the Red Devils were to drop points, the Magpies' superior goal difference could be the deciding factor if they finish the season with a victory at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking minutes after their top-four spot was confirmed, Alexander Isak reflected the dressing room's mindset when he outlined his desire for the Newcastle to finish the season with a win. Howe has already hinted changes could be on the cards with a number of stars playing through pain barrier with knocks in recent weeks.
In the grand scheme of the season and the riches provided by both the Champions League and the Premier League, Sunday's result will have little impact on the review of Newcastle's campaign. However, given the constraints provided by Financial Fair Play (FFP) and UEFA's own sustainability rules alongside the team's own mentality, a final-day win and an extra potential £2.2m by finishing third would be a welcome boost ahead of what is expected to be another busy summer on Tyneside.
