Newcastle United take on relegation-threatened Leeds United on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 12:30pm) hoping to bounce back from Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at home to Arsenal.
The Magpies’ Champions League challenge remains firmly in their own hands but Liverpool’s upturn in form has brought some cause for worry.
Following back-to-back wins against Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford, Jurgen Klopp’s fifth-place side sit three points behind Newcastle, though they do have a game in hand.
Howe & Co know the task at hand. Three wins from their remaining four games will mathematically guarantee a top-four finish, and a return to Europe’s elite for the first time in 20 years.
Leeds, meanwhile, are fighting to save their Premier League status and have called upon former Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce. His reign started with a 2-1 win at Manchester City on Saturday.
Here, NewcastleWorld takes a look at the latest team news from both camps, including two doubts and seven absences.
Get the latest Newcastle United headlines with our free football newsletter! Follow the action from St James’ Park and beyond as we bring the sport news to you. Visit our website here to sign up.
1. Leeds United's US midfielder Tyler Adams (L) vies with Newcastle United's Brazilian striker Joelinton during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Leeds United at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on December 31, 2022. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Lindsey Parnaby / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)
2. Jamaal Lascelles - out
Lascelles will miss the remainder of the season due to a calf injury.
3. Emil Krafth - out
Krafth is recovering from an ACL injury and is targetting a return in pre-season. Photo: Gualter Fatia
4. Ryan Fraser - out
Fraser will leave St James’ Park this summer after falling out with Eddie Howe. Photo: Jan Kruger