We head to Tyneside for a Saturday lunchtime meeting with Eddie Howe’s Magpies, looking for three more points in the Premier League following our victory over Everton last time out in the league. We also progressed to the last-four of the Carabao Cup in midweek, following success against Cardiff City.

Our head coach rotated his squad for that League Cup encounter and the Italian confirmed at his pre-match press conference that those players that were left out against the Bluebirds – including Cole Palmer – are all fine to feature this weekend.

Maresca also provided an update on Delap and Estevao, with the pair closing in on a return to action – although that won’t be at St James’ Park tomorrow.

‘We are good,’ Maresca said of his squad’s fitness levels ahead of the trip to the North-East.

We probably have Liam Delap and Estevao Willian back for the game against Aston Villa [on 27 December), which is good news. But Romeo (Lavia) is still out, Dario Essugo is still out and Levi (Colwill) is still out.

‘‘With Liam, we said since he suffered the injury (shoulder) that we didn’t know exactly for how long he would be out, but he is progressing very well.’

After a long trip to Wales in midweek, the Blues face another sizeable away venture when we head to the north east of the country to face Newcastle.

The Magpies currently sit in 12th position in the Premier League table, although just six points behind the Blues in fourth, and Maresca is under no illusions that a side containing players such as Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton will offer a stern test this weekend.

‘For me, playing at Newcastle is always difficult. Night or day, they are a very good team,’ Maresca stated of our opponents.

‘Their manager is fantastic and has done a superb job for many years. They have a very strong side, especially in midfield.

‘Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, [Lewis] Miley also, they are all fantastic players, all international players and they complete each other.

‘They are physically strong and very good on the ball. It's difficult for any team to face them.’