What the Newcastle United players have been saying about beating Chelsea this weekend

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Newcastle United will welcome Premier League rivals Chelsea to St James’ Park this Sunday.

It is set to be a huge game in the North East, with the Magpies looking to move one step closer to Champions League qualification this season.

Newcastle United are currently sitting fourth in the Premier League table, but have to beat a lively Chelsea side who sit one place below them.

The feeling around the training ground is that Newcastle vs Chelsea is the Magpies’ biggest game of the season, with a win extending their lead to sixth place.

Eddie Howe has called for Newcastle fans’ support ahead of the game, he recognises how much his players feed off the support of the fans at St James’ Park and is eager to hear them in fine voice once again.

However, Newcastle fans were shocked by the club’s crest announcement, which could affect the impact of the game.

While Newcastle prepare for a massive game on Sunday, one player has made a huge claim about the implications of the game.

Newcastle United player predicts Champions League qualification with Chelsea win

With three games left in the Premier League season, pundits are making their predictions on whether Newcastle will make the Champions League.

Roy Keane backed Newcastle to finish in the top five while Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher even suggested that the Magpies could challenge Arsenal for second place.

A return to Europe’s top competition is within touching distance, and the Newcastle players know that.

On his YouTube channel, Keith Downie shared that he met an unnamed Newcastle player in a restaurant earlier this week and got chatting. The topic of the Champions League race came up and the Newcastle player made a big claim about Sunday’s meeting at St James’ Park.

“I actually bumped into one of the players on Monday,” Downie said.

“I had a chat with him for a while and I said ‘I think six points will do it, six points and you’re there – two home games’.

“He said to me ‘we beat Chelsea on Sunday and we’re there.’  So that’s the feeling amongst the players right now, if they win on Sunday then they’ve done their job.”

Newcastle United injury updates ahead of Chelsea clash

While the feeling amongst the camp is that three more points will be enough to qualify for the Champions League, they must do it without one of their key stars.

Joelinton is suffering with a knee injury, a problem he has managed all season. Sadly, it reached a breaking point before Newcastle’s win against Ipswich and the Brazilian had to go abroad for tests.

• READ MORE: Who is Joelinton? Age, Height, Chant, Position, Socials and More

In his press conference on Friday, Howe confirmed that Joelinton is now in Barcelona undergoing further tests. The 47-year-old admitted that Joelinton’s season is most likely over.

Additionally, Howe confirmed Sven Botman is nearing full fitness. The Dutchman missed the last two months with a minor knee issue which required surgery, but recently returned to the matchday squad.

Lewis Hall will not be seen for the remainder of the season.