Today’s game against Fulham could have carried much more significance for Newcastle United.
There was a point not so long ago when it looked as though a relegation battle was nailed on.
Many Toon fans felt this final day game with the Cottagers would decide who would stay in the Premier League.
In the end though, Newcastle have pulled well clear of danger, and Steve Bruce and the players can relax somewhat today.
That said, Bruce will know he can’t oversee a shocking performance and result on the final day, with most fans still wanting him out regardless of his successful safety mission.
In goal, perhaps Mark Gillespie, 29, will come in for his first Premier League appearance of the season.
Martin Dubravka is a slight injury doubt for the game, and Karl Darlow has been out for the past month or so with a knee injury.
Jacob Murphy, Emil Krafth, Federico Fernandez, Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie should make up the back five.
In midfield Joe Willock has surely got to start as he goes in pursuit of Alan Shearer and Papiss Cisse’s goals in consecutive games record – he needs one today to the equal the pair, who both scored a goal in seven straight games.
Jonjo Shelvey and Miguel Almiron are likely to be the others in the engine room.
Up top, there could be temptation for Bruce to start Andy Carroll in what is likely to be his final game for the club, but Joelinton and Dwight Gayle could get a run out as a pairing.
Allan Saint-Maximin is also an injury doubt for today.
Hopefully the players can take advantage of having no pressure today, and finish the season in the right way.
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