Magpies need fans at ferocious best for visit of Blues to St James' in high-stakes match

IT felt like a rallying cry. Newcastle United had not long secured a point at the Amex when captain Bruno Guimaraes declared: "Your support will be vital next Sunday let's create an unforgettable atmosphere."

- By CIARAN KELLY

Newcastle certainly need one in the early kick-off against Chelsea after the Blues moved level on points with Eddie Howe's team following a 3-1 win against muchchanged Liverpool. The stakes could not be higher in the race for the Champions League.

Not only would a win at St James' Park see Newcastle move three points clear of Chelsea - the Magpies would also land a huge psychological blow against the Premier League's youngest side with just two games to go.

Having been in this situation a couple of years ago, when Newcastle held their nerve to get over the line, Dan Burn stressed his side had "huge belief".

After all, as strong as Chelsea have been at Stamford Bridge, as much as talisman Cole Palmer is looking like his menacing self again, the Blues have only won one away game in the league since mid-December. Newcastle, in contrast, have triumphed in eight of their last 10 topflight fixtures at St James' in that time.

You can see why Eddie Howe hopes the St James' factor 'can make the difference' and Burn was hardly speaking out of turn when the Geordie told NUFC TV that 'we always back ourselves at home, especially when are the fans behind us creating that really good atmosphere.