The lunchtime kick-off on Tyneside promises to have a major impact on the battle for Champions League qualification, with fourth-placed Newcastle currently level on points with fifth-placed Chelsea in the Premier League table. The top five finishers this season are guaranteed a Champions League spot.
Newcastle’s most recent outing saw them draw 1-1 with Brighton at the Amex Stadium in a game that saw Tindall watching on from the stands.
The Magpies assistant was serving a touchline ban after receiving a third yellow card of the season in the previous weekend’s home win over Ipswich Town, and while he was allowed to be in the dressing room before and after the game, he was banned from the technical area and dugout. He was also prevented from performing his usual role in the pre-match warm-up.
Things will be back to normal at the weekend, with Tindall having completed his ban, and as he reflects on the experience of being without his long-term right-hand man, Howe admits it will be nice to be reunited with his number two.
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“It probably was strange, looking back on it,” said the Newcastle boss. “At the time, it probably didn’t feel any different because I’m so focused on the game, I’m not focusing on what Jason’s doing, believe me.
“But I think when I reflect back on it now, I do think it was slightly different. I’d much prefer that he was by my side helping me – that’s how we’ve always been.”
With Aston Villa’s goal difference markedly inferior to Newcastle’s, and with Chelsea and Nottingham Forest playing each other on the final weekend of the season, the Magpies will be assured of a top-five finish if they win their remaining two home matches against Chelsea and Everton.
