Newcastle United fans sent ‘imperative’ message ahead of Chelsea in the Premier League

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Eddie Howe has sent a message to the Newcastle United supporters ahead of Sunday’s huge game against Chelsea.

The Magpies are chasing Champions League qualification, but they must overcome their biggest challenge at St James’ Park.

Newcastle United are currently fourth in the Premier League table, and they can move further away from sixth place with a win against fifth-placed Chelsea when they come to the North East.

Eddie Howe’s side lost the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge in late 2024, but that Newcastle side was a shell of what it is now.

Additionally, Newcastle can take comfort in the fact that they have already beaten Chelsea at home this season. The Magpies dispatched Chelsea in the Carabao Cup fourth round in one of several memorable wins in that trophy-winning campaign.

With Newcastle staff recognising the Chelsea game as the biggest of the season, Howe has sent a clear message to the fans ahead of Sunday’s game.

Eddie Howe makes big demand to Newcastle United fans

The Magpies have been sensational against the big teams at St James’ Park this season. Fans have enjoyed wins against Arsenal, Tottenham, and Manchester United in the Premier League already; a win against Chelsea would make things even sweeter.

A big difference maker in those games was the backing of the fans. Newcastle players feed off the atmosphere from the fans and play into the emotion of the crowd.

St James’ Park is expected to be rocking for the Chelsea game, and Howe’s latest words in his pre-match press conference will only make fans want to be even louder.

“Our home form has been good,” Howe said.

“We have a great environment to play in, we need the crowd with us, it is imperative. We know they will be there for us, and we have to perform for them. It is the kind of game that we need to rise to the occasion.”

Newcastle United’s last five games vs Chelsea

It is no surprise that Sunday’s game is being treated as a must-win. Both teams are well aware of what an extra three points would mean for their seasons.

Alan Shearer warned Newcastle about Cole Palmer after the young winger put in a sensational performance against newly-crowned Premier League Champions Liverpool last week. The 23-year-old was brilliant in the reverse fixture against Newcastle this season; Howe will be well aware of his quality.

In their last five meetings, Newcastle have lost to Chelsea on three occasions. However, the Magpies can boast two wins against the Blues, with one being a sensational 4-1 win in November 2023.

That game saw Lewis Miley show he can play regular first-team football, while the St James’ Park crowd stunned a Chelsea side that were nowhere near their best.