From SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse at St James’ Park
The sun is shining and you can certainly feel the heat between Newcastle and rivals Chelsea.
The Toon Army were given a free pint by the club to get them in St James’ early for the high noon showdown.
And that has certainly whet the whistle with the atmosphere already bubbling nicely with 15 minutes to go until kick off.
Free beer!
It’s a tad too late if you’re reading this but Newcastle fans have been given a free pint of beer ahead of the match today by the club.
Fans were encouraged to come through the turnstiles at St James’ Park between 10-11am, where they would receive a complimentary drink token.
That could be used to get a free pint/bottle of beer or cider, or a bottled soft drink in the stadium concourse, Platinum Club and Bar 1892.
Toon CEO Darren Eales said: “We greatly appreciate the lengths that fans have gone to this season, travelling to every corner of the country to back the club, so we’re pleased to offer a token of appreciation for their loyalty and support this weekend.
“Alongside toasting the incredible support they have already shown, the offer of a free drink aims to ensure that everyone is in position for the early kick-off on Sunday, bringing that iconic St James’ Park atmosphere from the warm-ups to the final whistle.”
Form guide
Newcastle were in great form up until mid-April, where they had won six in a row – including the League Cup final.
But they now have only one win in their last three after a heavy 4-1 defeat at Aston Villa and the 1-1 draw at Brighton last weekend.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are ending the season in red hot form.
They have lost just once in the Premier League since February 22 – a 1-0 defeat at Arsenal on March 16 – with six wins, two draws and that defeat in that time.
They have also won give in a row in all competitions in the last month.
Howe on changes
Eddie Howe has just been in front of the TNT Sports cameras to talk through the absences of Kieran Trippier and Joe Willock affecting his plans.
“We’ve got to find the right balance today,’ the Toon boss said.
“It was a difficult one this week, losing Kieran [Trippier] and [Joe] Willock, two big players for us.
“It meant readjustment because their qualities you can’t find again.
“But we’ve bringing in top players today.
“[Sven] Botman and [Anthony] Gordon they’ve massive – and have been historically massive – players for us.
“Hopefully we deliver a good performance.”
