BE BRAVE OR TOON WILL EAT US ALIVE

Palmer warning to Blues stars

- ALAN SMITH

COLE PALMER has said Chelsea must be brave at a raucous St James' Park this afternoon, warning that otherwise: "They can eat you alive." Enzo Maresca's side know a win against Newcastle would have a huge bearing on how the race for a top-five finish pans out.

Palmer celebrated his 23rd birthday earlier this week by watching the Champions League semifinal between Inter and Barcelona on TV - and he is desperate to get into the competition next season.

The Blues playmaker said: "We know what St James' Park is like and we know that Newcastle are in a Champions League spot as well.

"We know it will be a tough game but we're going there to win. Hopefully we can do that. We need to go there and be brave.