It’s been a joyless environment for us in recent seasons, with Newcastle winning on each of our last three trips to the north-east.
The home support will be well up for the occasion, of that there is no doubt, but it’s also worth considering that Aston Villa, Brentford and Everton have left Tyneside with all three points this year – the Toffees adding their name to that list on Saturday.
Our own brilliant form in 2026 must also provide some confidence.
The Magpies were actually above us in the league as recently as 14 January, but the resurgence under Carrick – just two points dropped – has allowed us to race ahead.
Everyone of a Reds persuasion will be hoping the momentum continues into what will be an 11-day break, before another key outing, against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on 15 March.
Whether we’ll go into that clash still in the ascendancy, or with ground to make up, all depends on what happens this week.