Rio Ferdinand believes Newcastle United are genuine contenders to earn a top-four finish and qualify for next season's Champions League. The former Manchester United defender reckons the final spot alongside Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United is firmly up for grabs.
Eddie Howe's side moved into the top four with an impressive away victory at third-placed Tottenham, and backed up this result with an emphatic home victory over Aston Villa. However, Manchester United hold a game in hand and would overtake the Magpies with a win.
It follows a near-perfect October for Newcastle, picking up 16 points from a possible 18. Howe's side now face televised encounters away at Southampton and at home to Chelsea before the World Cup break.