As things stand, Newcastle in 15th place, a solid eight points clear of the dreaded relegation zone, with six games of their season left to play, and they also have the added bonus of a game in hand over 18th place strugglers Fulham.
Speaking ahead of the weekend's action, Magpies midfielder Jonjo Shelvey hit back at suggestions that he's a "lazy" player, and contended: “I think I give off this impression with my body language by the way I run or the way I am. I’m quite a laid back character.
“It might look like that but the stats say different and as long as I’m doing it and it’s being recorded and everything is monitored – you can’t get away with not running.”
He continued: “I know it might not seem like I’m not running or I’m lazy or whatever but the stats are saying different, so I’m just going to continue to do what I’m doing.
“If I’m going to be honest, I’d take not running at all and win the game comfortably – keep the ball and play possession football but you can’t get away with anything these days.
“You need to roll your sleeves up and run and I feel like that’s what the stats say I’m doing. As long as the stats say I’m doing it, the proof is there in writing.”
Here are today's biggest transfer stories and the latest team news involving Newcastle United and the rest of the Premier League, as the build-up to this weekend's action continues:
“It might look like that but the stats say different and as long as I’m doing it and it’s being recorded and everything is monitored – you can’t get away with not running.”
5. Wolves striker could rejoin old side
La Liga side Valencia are looking to sign their former player, Rafa Mir, from Wolves. He's been making a name for himself on loan with Huesca, who are set to battle against relegation from the Spanish top tier until the very end of the season. (Football Insider) Photo: Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno
6. Gunners favourites to sign Lamptey
Arsenal have emerged as the 3/1 favourites to sign Brighton & Hove Albion star Tariq Lamptey this summer. The speedy full-back has missed much of the season with injury, but is still likely to be in high demand when the transfer window opens. (SkyBet) Photo: Naomi Baker
7. Leeds favourites to sign long-term target
Ahead of the summer transfer window, Leeds United have been named favourites to sign Udinese's £30m-rated attacking midfielder Rodrigo de Paul. The Whites were heavily linked with the player last summer, but could lose out to Inter or AC Milan. (SkyBet) Photo: Alessandro Sabattini
8. Blades plot raid for League One star
Sheffield United have been tipped to challenge Rangers for Peterborough United's £5m-rated sensation Jonson Clarke-Harris this summer. He's scored a stunning 28 goals so far this season, after joining last year to replace Ivan Toney. (HITC) Photo: Pete Norton