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The 'strange feeling' around Newcastle United as players issued challenge ahead of Everton

The fans have shown unrivalled passion and commitment - now it's time for the players to match it

The Wor Flags display before Newcastle's game with Tottenham(Image: PA)

Newcastle United's stars have been urged to match the efforts of the club's fans in their must-win clash with Everton.

The two sides face off at St James' Park tonight with Wor Flags set to lead another eye-catching display, no doubt to be followed by the sold-out crowd backing their side throughout the game.

With Newcastle 19th in the Premier League, three points are a must, and beating Everton would leave them just a point behind the Merseyside team.

United have only won twice this season though - and only once at home - but despite this terrible form, the club's supporters have consistently backed their team.

Speaking on The Everything is Black and White Podcast , John Gibson and Andrew Musgrove are hoping the players can match the commitment of the fans.

Here's the transcript:

AM: "There's going to be 52,00 there - it's going to be boisterous, lively, it's under the lights, displays at both ends of the ground, it's going to be a fantastic setting and hopefully Newcastle take advantage of it."

JG: "Well they have got to do. We are in that situation where they have got to.

"So often recently we have talked about Wor Flags, atmosphere, full ground, and 52,000 Geordies with the team because they are not against the manager or owner which they were earlier in the season - we've spoken about that wonderful atmosphere, which it has been until we've kicked off and then it's been a different ball game."

"We haven't won at home in this wonderful new atmosphere yet - we've only beaten Burnley."

AM: "The point is that the crowd play their part, now the players have to match that.

JG: "They do - but the players haven't yet got the right reaction to that yet, we haven't won in this new atmosphere yet and it's about time we do, and this is the match we should."

***

Newcastle come into this game in good spirits after victory over Leeds United and the arrivals of Dan Burn, Matt Targett and Bruno Guimaraes, to add to their earlier January additions of Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood.

There's plenty of optimism around the club despite the league position - as Musgrove points out.

"It's such a strange feeling, isn't it? Newcastle beat Leeds, a brilliant win but still, they look a bit iffy, lose against Everton and all hell breaks loose.

"You think 'well I can't see how they're going to get out of it.'

"But there's this confidence around the fanbase - it doesn't feel like Newcastle United are fighting for their lives here."

JG: "It did before January.

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"It doesn't now but let's make one thing certain - we are fighting for our lives.

"We've only won two games all season, kept only two clean sheets all season - let in 43 goals in 21 games, that tells you we're fighting for our lives.

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"If you're 2nd bottom of the league table with just two wins and two clean sheets all season - you are in trouble.

"There is the feeling for the first time this season that we can actually get out of it - and I feel we can but we have to start now.

"We have to start winning - and this game against Everton is it."