A big midweek awaits in the race for Champions League football

It’s been a joyless atmosphere for us in latest seasons, with Newcastle successful on every of our final three journeys to the north-east.

The house assist might be nicely up for the event, of that there isn’t a doubt, however it’s additionally value contemplating that Aston Villa, Brentford and Everton have left Tyneside with all three factors this 12 months – the Toffees including their identify to that checklist on Saturday.

Our personal sensible kind in 2026 should additionally present some confidence.

The Magpies had been truly above us within the league as just lately as 14 January, however the resurgence below Carrick – simply two factors dropped – has allowed us to race forward.

Everybody of a Reds persuasion might be hoping the momentum continues into what might be an 11-day break, earlier than one other key outing, in opposition to Aston Villa at Previous Trafford on 15 March.

Whether or not we’ll go into that conflict nonetheless within the ascendancy, or with floor to make up, all depends upon what occurs this week.