Newcastle take on Everton at St James’ Park knowing a win will be enough to secure a top five-finish. But the Toffees are no mugs, having improved significantly under David Moyes.
Still, it is a scenario United boss Eddie Howe is more than happy with.
“I think that's what we would ask, to be at home in front of our supporters. It's in our hands,” said Howe. “I don't think we can ask for any more at this moment.
“Then, of course, you have to do the difficult part and take that opportunity and it's by no means a given.
“Everton have been in really good form. They've been difficult to beat, haven't conceded a lot of goals so we know the challenge is a big one. They've got threats in their team as well so we're going to have to be focused, concentrate on what we need to do to win the game and hopefully then the crowd can carry us through.”
The Magpies are level on 66 points with Chelsea and Aston Villa but above the pair in fourth due to their goal difference. Nottingham Forest are seventh with 65 points.
Forest welcome Chelsea to the City Ground while Villa travel to Manchester United but Howe doesn’t want to be interested in results elsewhere.
I don't think we can look for any favours from anybody,” Howe said. “We have to do our bit and that's purely going to be the only thing in our minds. There'll be no talk of other results or other teams. What we'll be will be in that respect afterwards.
“We'll see and reflect but for us we know what we have to do.”
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1. GettyImages-2213950108
AFP via Getty Images
Current points total: 12
2. Southampton (20th) - 13 points
Current points total: 12 | Getty Images
Current points total: 22
3. Ipswich Town (19th) - 23 points
Current points total: 22 | AFP via Getty Images
Current points total: 25
4. Leicester City (18th) - 25 points
Current points total: 25 | AFP via Getty Images