The Magpies currently sit fifth in the Premier League table, level on points with Manchester City in fourth spot, and a win over the Cottagers at St. James' Park could lift Eddie Howe's side up as high as third, depending on other results.

Howe's squad were busy at the club's Benton training centre in midweek as they bid to regain the momentum that has propelled them up the league over the winter, and Serena Taylor was there to bring newcastleunited.com this gallery from Wednesday's training session.