Cole Palmer’s build-up to Newcastle involved him celebrating his 23rd birthday by training with his Chelsea team-mates and then popping to his local astroturf for a kickabout with pals before heading home to watch that night’s Champions League action.
Europe’s elite competition is exactly where the Blues want to be themselves and whatever downtime was enjoyed by Palmer on Tuesday, the England international insists he means business today at St James’ Park.
Some within Chelsea see this as their biggest match of the season. Whoever manages to win would take a gigantic step towards securing Champions League football.