The Magpies head into the final five games of the campaign sitting in fifth position in the Premier League, two points adrift of third-placed Manchester City, who have played a game more, and two points ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea, who are on the same number of matches.
With the top five finishers assured of a place in next season’s Champions League, the battle for a place at Europe’s top table looks like going to the wire.
Newcastle are already guaranteed European football of some description next season, with their Carabao Cup victory having earned them a place in the UEFA Conference League, but with Champions League qualification having massive ramifications in terms of future finance and the ability to spend while remaining compliant with PSR rules, Howe is fully aware of what is at stake in the next five games.
“It’s a massive five games for us, there’s no denying that,” said the Newcastle boss, who will be back in the dugout at St James’ Park for today’s game with Ipswich Town after recovering from pneumonia. “All our focus has been on trying to end the season really, really strongly.
“We know what position we’re in, and we know what we’ve got to try to do. The players are focused, I’ve seen a really good reaction in training this week and a really good steely focus and determination. Of course, I’ve only been in since Wednesday, but no one has been distracted in any way.
“Of course, we all know the next game is the most important and we don’t underestimate any opponent. We know Ipswich will be well organised. Kieran (McKenna) has done an unbelievable job there, and it’s a massive game in our season.”
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Ipswich need to win this afternoon to have any chance of avoiding relegation, and their demotion to the Championship will be confirmed no matter what happens on Tyneside if West Ham avoid defeat in their game at Brighton.
Nevertheless, with Liam Delap, who has been linked with a possible summer move to St James’, set to lead the line for the visitors after missing Newcastle’s 4-0 win at Portman Road in December through suspension, Howe is adamant his side cannot afford to take anything for granted.
“He’s (Delap) a pivotal player for them,” said the Magpies boss. “There’s no denying that. I think he’s had a very good season. He’s got big strengths – he’s very strong, a powerful runner and certainly knows where the goal is. I think he’s had a really good season.
“He’s always had a lot of potential. You could see from the very early times we’ve played against him previously, what a threat he can be. But they have other players as well around their team and squad who can contribute effectively to their attacking game.
“I think they’ve had a difficult season in that respect. They’ve done a lot better away from home than they have at home, and that would be a frustration for them. But their away form has actually been very strong. So, I think that’s another warning sign for us to say that we have to be absolutely right for this game.”
