What Newcastle United staff have privately been saying about facing Chelsea this weekend

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Newcastle United take on Chelsea at St James’ Park on Sunday in a huge game in the race for Champions League football.

The Magpies are looking to bounce back from their setback against Brighton to solidify their place in the top five of the Premier League table.

A 1-1 draw on the South Coast was far from ideal, but not a disaster as Nottingham Forest also dropped points during the game week.

On Sunday, Newcastle United welcome Chelsea to St James’ Park for a battle between fourth and fifth in the table. Either team could move up to third place if other results go their way. Fabian Schar is a doubt for Newcastle, although Eddie Howe did not confirm whether he was taken off with a genuine muscle issue or just cramp.

It has also been announced that John Brooks will referee Newcastle vs Chelsea on Sunday. The official refereed the Carabao Cup final in March.

The Premier League table is still incredibly tight. Ahead of the game, the feelings of Newcastle staff about the game have been shared in a new report.

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Newcastle United staff see the importance of Chelsea clash

When the game comes around on Sunday, Newcastle will have had a full, uninterrupted week to prepare for it. Chelsea are still in Europe, so they have to play in the Conference League on Thursday before their trip to Tyneside.

Simon Jordan suggested Chelsea will struggle against Newcastle at St James’ Park, but Howe’s staff are very conscious about getting ahead of themselves.

According to The Athletic, Newcastle staff have privately said that the Chelsea game is the biggest league fixture of the season. A positive result would establish a bigger gap on the teams below them, so a win is very important.

Newcastle players want Champions League football, with qualification possibly impacting the futures of several players. Sandro Tonali said Newcastle ‘need’ to be in the Champions League, while it is believed that Alexander Isak’s new contract will only be signed if the Magpies return to the competition.

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Enzo Maresca feeling the pressure ahead of Newcastle United clash

It is no surprise that Newcastle staff are referring to the Chelsea game as the biggest league clash of the season. Toon fans are nervous but will be willing their team on at St James’ Park, hoping they pick up the three points.

While Chelsea have a Conference League semi-final to play before the Newcastle game, Enzo Maresca’s side has a renewed sense of confidence after a 3-1 win against newly-crowned Premier League Champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge earlier in May.

Despite that, head coach Enzo Maresca is unhappy about Chelsea’s recovery time before the Newcastle game.

Chelsea will only have around two days to recover from the game, but Maresca could play a weakened squad against Djurgarden as they are already 4-1 up in the semi-final tie. Alan Shearer praised Cole Palmer for his heroics against Liverpool. The youngster has regained his good form at the worst possible time for Newcastle.