Newcastle United now have just four games remaining in their Premier League campaign with a spot in the Champions League firmly on their radar.
Eddie Howe's men have exceeded all expectations following their takeover. The Magpies have established themselves as the real deal in the race for a spot inside the top four with big victories over the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
However, last weekend's defeat to title chasers Arsenal was no doubt a setback, while the likes of Liverpool ready to pounce if either they or the Red Devils in the closing weeks.
Remarkably, seven points from 12 will be enough to secure a place in the Champions League, and with four games remaining in their campaign, here is how the Tyneside club's remaining games pan out…
Newcastle fixtures 13 May: Leeds (a) 18 May: Brighton (h) 22 May: Leicester (h) 28 May: Chelsea (a) Leeds v Newcastle
There is a case that Arsenal were simply too good for the Toon at the weekend, though the home side had their moments. Turning their attention to a team at the opposite end of the table, Howe will surely feel that a performance of a similar level will be enough to take three points from West Yorkshire, despite Sam Allardyce's men only losing narrowly to leaders Manchester City.
That said, Leeds United are fighting for their lives and Elland Road can be just as raucous as St James' Park on its day – and with so much on the line, this game is far from a foregone conclusion despite the gulf in class the two sides have displayed throughout the campaign.
It must be noted that despite having the league's leakiest defence ahead of Saturday's lunchtime clash, the Whites kept a clean sheet over Newcastle when they last met, so the way this result goes could well hinge on just how composed the hosts are as they scrap for points to stay alive.
Unfortunately for them, history is perhaps not on their side.
Prediction: Leeds 0-3 Newcastle
Newcastle v Brighton
Brighton's shock defeat against Everton will surely calm some of the nerves ahead of a game that could be pivotal in both clubs' search for European football.
With this a midweek clash and the Toon benefitting from an extra day's rest over their opponents, who face Arsenal this coming Sunday, you have to say that the odds are in the hosts' favour ahead of this one.
Prediction: Newcastle 3-0 Brighton
Newcastle v Leicester
This could be Newcastle's day of destiny. Granted, their Champions League fate could be sealed before kick-off or even going down to the wire, but if they keep their current pace up, victory over Leicester could well be the clincher.
With the Magpies' defeat to Arsenal just their second at home this term, this has to be a game the lowly Foxes will be having nightmares about.
The game will also be an opportunity for the Toon's incredible support so say thank you for a memorable season. There is surely only one outcome here.
Prediction: Newcastle 5-0 Leicester
Chelsea v Newcastle
Whether Newcastle will even need a result at Stamford Bridge remains to be seen, but with the Magpies in the box seat when it comes to securing a top-four place and Chelsea's season petering out, this is arguably going to be a more awkward afternoon for the hosts than the Champions League chasers.
If qualification is already secured, Eddie Howe could experiment with his side and afford some of his players an early holiday after a terrific year's work. But he'll no doubt want to head out on a high note – though the same can be said for the beleaguered Blues as their never-ending state of mid-transition continues.
Prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
Predicted run-in points: 11/15 Predicted total points: 76