Newcastle United must nullify Chelsea superstar Cole Palmer on Sunday.
The Magpies welcome Chelsea to St James’ Park this weekend, as they prepare for their biggest game of the season other than the Carabao Cup final.
This feels like a final in itself, and the prize could be Champions League qualification. If Newcastle United can beat Chelsea, they will be one more win away from effectively guaranteeing a top five finish.
With two top five rivals set to go head-to-head, it is a vital weekend in the Champions League race.
Eddie Howe will be desperate to ensure his side are victorious, but to do so they will need to stop Cole Palmer.
Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Alan Shearer praises Cole Palmer
That is easier said than done at the best of times, but the attacking midfielder looked back to his supreme best in Chelsea’s win over Liverpool on Sunday.
Palmer was untouchable in the 3-1 win at Stamford Bridge, netting a late penalty to end his goal drought.
Following his performance against Liverpool, Alan Shearer named Palmer in his team of the week for the Premier League’s official website.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
On Palmer, Shearer wrote: “Looked back to his very best. Kept his cool to score from the spot and wrap up a memorable win.”
That should serve as a warning to Newcastle United. Chelsea were extremely impressive at the weekend, while Palmer has excelled against the Magpies in the past.
He was sensational in the reverse fixture back in October, netting the winner in a 2-1 victory for Chelsea.
Now they are set to face Palmer again, at a time when he has re-found his best form.
Newcastle United tried to sign Cole Palmer
Newcastle have been aware of Palmer’s ability for a long time.
They tried to sign him in the 2022 January transfer window, shortly after PIF arrived and became the Newcastle United owners.
It was reported by the Athletic in December 2021 that the Magpies had approached Manchester City about signing Palmer on loan.
Unfortunately, Newcastle’s Palmer bid was rejected and he remained at the Etihad Stadium.
While Eddie Howe was unable to sign Palmer, his club did go on to enjoy what was a transformative transfer window.
In the first window under PIF’s ownership, Newcastle United signed Bruno Guimaraes, Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Chris Wood and Matt Targett.
All five of those players had an immediate impact, while three of them remain key players at St James’ Park.