The Whites, like the Magpies, are challenging for promotion to the Premier League and beat Preston North End 3-0 last time out.

They lost 2-0 to Newcastle at Elland Road in November, but could be boosted by the return of winger Hadi Sacko and former Sunderland midfielder Liam Bridcutt. Liam Cooper is suspended, while Marco Silvestri and Tyler Denton are ruled out due to injury.

And Monk, speaking to LUTV, said: "Newcastle are obviously one of the best sides in the league.

"Their objective at the start of the season was very clear: to win automatic promotion. And they are on course to do that.

"They are an exceptional team, they have a very big and talented squad and they are where they are expected to be.

"We will go up with the same attitude as always; we have good confidence from the win over Preston North End and we want to prove what we are capable of in these last five games.

"We will try and impose ourselves, play our football, defend well - which we will have to do at St James' Park - and try to give a good account of ourselves.

"When we are at our best, we know we can beat anybody in this league. We know it will be very difficult to do that, but we go up there with that intention."