The Blues head to St James’ Park today, taking on the Magpies at 12pm, knowing that victory would see us take a huge step towards securing Champions League football next season – and severely denting the hopes of Eddie Howe’s side.

The two sides are locked on 63 points each going into the fixture, with goal difference both equalled at +21. Newcastle are above us by a single place on goals scored. So the magnitude of this game is obvious.

Mathematically, of course, this isn’t ‘must-win’ territory just yet. But it’s about as close as you can get with what is at stake, and how little there is left of this season.

And with our game taking place before fellow high-flyers Nottingham Forest host Leicester, we could be in a very healthy position come full-time.

However, that’s not to say we are getting ahead of ourselves. As Cole Palmer points out, this is going to be a very stern test.

But for the forward, who got back on the scoresheet last time out in the league against Liverpool, confidence is high and he says the Blues will have to be ‘on it’ to leave the North East with three points in the bag.

‘Every game this season has been tough, and we will expect another one at Newcastle,’ Cole said of the challenge facing Chelsea this weekend.

‘Obviously we know what our aim is, and it will be the same for them. Newcastle is a big game for us, we know what the stadium is like. They are in a Champions League spot as well, so it’ll be a tough game, but we are going there to win. Hopefully, we can do that.

‘We need to go there, be brave, and stick together. If we go there and aren’t confident in our approach, then we won't get a result. So, we will need to be on it.’

It’s easy to forget that this is only Cole’s second season at Stamford Bridge, such is the impact he’s made on the pitch.

But he’s also having an impact off the pitch too, feeling settled in London and believing he can become more of a leader withing the group.

‘That’s what it feels like, yeah [developing as a leader],’ added Palmer. It’s something I want to be able to add. But I’m still young myself, so I just need to keep growing and improving.’