Chelsea (A) Pre-match thoughts, team news, possible line-ups & prediction
With Champions League secured, we head to Stamford Bridge for a final day clash with Chelsea; a club who've been the antithesis of Eddie Howe's Newcastle United since new owners arrived.
While they've been disorganised - both on and off the pitch - and a club in transition, we've barely let our levels drop all season, showing remarkable dedication and consistency from that opening day win over Nottingham Forest to today.
Securing our place in the top-four with one game to spare has been a huge achievement. Since Monday's post-match celebrations at St James' Park we've seen fans and players hit town to celebrate - a few first-team stars were spotted in Cosy Joe's on Tuesday - but Howe will hope any hangovers have worn off as he bids to end a magical season with all three points against Frank Lampard's Blues. After all, we’re still battling Man Utd for third, knowing a win could see us leapfrog the Red Devils IF they slip up at home to Fulham (unexpected, but hey, this is football - the UK's gambling sites understand this the best).
Speaking about the game and securing Champions League football, the boss had this to say during his press conference on Friday morning,
"The end of the season has come at a good time for us because we would have been really stretched!
"I'm feeling good. It's been a hectic few days. For me, it's onto planning and preparing for next season straight away. It's an incredible achievement and I'm so pleased we were able to do it in front of our supporters."
"We're looking forward to it. To next season and the challenge. We've started that preparation and when we get the draw and see who's in our group, that'll be when it really kicks in."
Team news
Nick Pope has been ruled out following surgery on his hand, with Howe also confirming that Joelinton and Javier Manquillo won't feature in our final day clash.
Joe Willock (hamstring) looks set to miss out alongside Jamaal Lascelles, Matt Ritchie and Emil Krafth.
For the hosts, Reece James has suffered another setback and will miss this one alongside Benoit Badiashile, Raheem Sterling, N'Golo Kante, Marc Cucurella and Ben Chilwell. Mason Mount is a doubt, but Lampard could recall Joao Felix and Thiago Silva.
Predicted line ups
(4-3-3): Dubravka - Trippier, Schar, Botman, Targett - Longstaff, Bruno, Anderson - Gordon, Isak, Saint-Maximin.
In goal, I expect Dubravka to replace Pope, with Howe talking up the Slovakian in his pre-match press conference on Friday.
At the back, this could be the ideal time to hand Targett a rare start and Burn a well deserved rest, although the lack of fit alternatives in midfield may mean Bruno, Longstaff and Anderson go again in the middle of the park. I do expect 17-year-old talent Lewis Miley to play some part, however. The local lad is one to watch as he waits for his Premier League debut.
In attack, it's the perfect opportunity for Saint-Maximin and Gordon to show Howe what they can do heading into the summer. I think both start, although it's a coin toss between Isak and Wilson. After a few weeks out wide, I'm backing the Swede to start in a central role here, allowing him to regain some rhythm in his preferred position.
Prediction
It's tough to say who'll start and equally unclear whether we'll be at it for one last time this season or looking like a team with one eye on the beach now our work is done.
I think we'll play with the shackles off and enjoy ourselves. Chelsea just want this season to be over with and look such a soft touch defensively, although they did create a host of big chances in their 4-1 defeat at Old Trafford a few days ago.
I wouldn't be surprised if it's a game of goals that goes marginally in our favour. Saint-Maximin to sign off with a goal, giving Howe more food for thought ahead of a big summer at St James' Park!
Prediction: Chelsea 1-2 Newcastle
HWTL!
