On the other side, Chelsea has been picking up steam. With a 3-1 win over Liverpool last weekend, the Blues have gone unbeaten in six straight league matches, having won three contests in a row. In the tight race that both clubs are in, three points is almost a necessity to ensure they stay in the top five.

A 2-0 win against Premier League top-five rival Chelsea on Sunday moved Newcastle closer to a return to European club soccer's top competition next season. With just two rounds of the season to go, Newcastle leapfrogged Manchester City and is up to third in the standings.