Eddie Howe handed his players two days off to recuperate over the bank holiday weekend but the hard work will resume at Benton this week.
Newcastle are in a solid enough position in the Premier League but are not mathematically assured of their top-flight place next season. As things stand Burnley, Leeds and Everton could still overtake them but they would need to win all of their games and a total collapse from United would have to unfold.
Therefore, Howe is eager to ensure that the intensity levels don't drop in the final three games. Squad goals still include bettering last season's points tally and achieving the highest points total since promotion in 2017.
