Lee Clark says Newcastle United are in a "great place" going into Sunday's sell-out encounter against Aston Villa at St James' Park.
The former Toon star knows how the good times roll on Tyneside and is eager to see his old side pick up their third successive win in the Premier League - something the club haven't managed since 2018.
After wins against Leeds and Everton, it's a testing clash with Steven Gerrard's Villa on home soil.
Clark told Chronicle Live: "It would be brilliant to think Newcastle can now make it three wins on the spin the Premier League, absolutely magnificent.
"But we have to temper that with not getting carried away.
"Steve Gerrard has gone into Villa and done really well.
"That 3-3 with Leeds was really exciting to watch and that type of result on Sunday again would not surprise me.
"Gerrard has a certain way he wants to play and has some outstanding attacking players, not least Philippe Coutinho.
"However, they can concede goals too as we saw the other night.
"It has all the ingredients for an exciting game and one that Newcastle can definitely win if they put their minds to it - especially at home with the type of atmosphere served up against Everton."
Clark was delighted to see both the Leazes End and Gallowgate End pull off an eye-catching flag and banner display which was captured by TV cameras and beamed around the world.
Clark said: "The togetherness and bond between fans, players and management is fantastic.
"It counts for a lot that atmosphere, believe me.
"If Newcastle can beat Villa, again without getting carried away, you start daring to look at those above you who might be just three or four points ahead and you are thinking: 'Can we pull them into it?'
"Once you get into the mindset of narrowing the gap you know you are on the right track."
Victory on Sunday would nudge United back on to 21 points and closer to where they were at the same stage 12 months ago when they avoided the drop.
Clark added: "The big thing is following up the Everton win.
"You don't want another setback or any down feeling if you don't win on Sunday.
"I can't see it.
"We have the basis of a good team and players who look like they are playing with lots of confidence - and so they should be.
"They have won two on the bounce and come back from a goal down.
"The players should be looking forward to the next game.
"If we do everything right there's no reason why not."
Clark feels that after a dozen games in charge and going into the game on the back of his third win, Eddie Howe is getting United where he wants them to be.
Clark said: "That was a hallmark Eddie Howe performance the other night.
"I have managed against his teams and I know they are looking to play with high intensity and get on the front foot.
"Their pressing game was superb the other night.
"Continue that and it'll be onwards and upwards."
