Newcastle United are assessing the fitness of “a couple of players” ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash against Chelsea (kick-off 12pm).

Opta’s supercomputer, a machine so notable it was name-checked by Arsenal manager Arteta himself last week, still has them with a 79 per cent chance of finishing second, with City favourites to come third, Newcastle for fourth and barely anything to choose between Chelsea and Forest over who’ll complete the top five.

Why are Newcastle still ahead of Chelsea in the Premier League table? - Magpies remain fourth ahead of crucial St James’ Park clash despite the two clubs now sharing an identical points tally and goal