Rafa Benitez believes Newcastle United have the qualities to hold onto their top-four Premier League position to qualify for next season's Champions League.
With three games remaining this season, Newcastle are in a four-team battle for the final two spots in the Premier League top-four, though they can end Brighton and Hove Albion's outside chances on Thursday if they can beat the Seagulls at St James' Park.
Manchester United and another of Benitez's former clubs Liverpool are also in the race for Champions League qualification, with the Magpies and Manchester United currently in pole positions by virtue of their respective game in hand. And while Benitez would love to see both of his former sides pip the Red Devils to third and fourth-place finishes, he believes Newcastle are the more likely of the two.
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Benitez told Sky Sports: "To be in Europe means more money coming in and that means you can then sign better players. They also have the extra motivation [to come] to play in Europe. So it's massive for both clubs.
"I think right now, Newcastle United has the advantage, but you never know. Liverpool, they are doing really well now. But I think Newcastle United have the belief, they have the intensity, and also the organisation and balance that is necessary to get some points to stay there."
Champions League qualification would be the result of a phenomenal season for Eddie Howe and his Newcastle players. Though boosted by the takeover last season, few predicted the Magpies would climb so fast up the Premier League table.
But with a spot in one European competition guaranteed next season, the task for Newcastle and Howe going forward will also be trying to stay there in the years ahead, and remain competitive in both domestic and continental competitions at the same time - something certain clubs, like West Ham this season for example, have struggled to do.
Asked if he believed Newcastle can establish themselves as one of the regular top-four competitors in the Premier League, Benitez noted the unexpected struggles of clubs like Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea this season, but does hope Newcastle can learn from their experiences this season.
"We will have to see [if they can stay in that position for seasons ahead]," he responded. "Two or three teams this season we know were not at the levels that we expect of them. But now, they are there and they are receiving the answers on how to stay there, I think they can absolutely compete there in the future. I would be delighted."
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