Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has said that his team must aim to finish third to avoid being bypassed for Champions League qualification.

A magnificent season has seen the Magpies emerge as surprise contenders for a top-four finish, currently trailing Arsenal by three points in fourth position.

However, Chelsea will take the final qualification spot ahead of them should they win the Champions League final against Bayern Munich on May 19.

Pardew said that he is keen to avoid that situation arising by overtaking the Gunners, but has conceded that this is a difficult task.

"We have got a possibility of finishing third, so that is what we are going to try and do," said Pardew. "We have some tough games. All the games are tough now, though.

"When you come up against these bottom sides, they are fighting for their lives. We have got that on Saturday and it is going to make it very difficult."

Newcastle travel to Wigan Athletic on Saturday.