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Townsend - 'We're Prepared'
Written by Newcastle Utd
Andros Townsend feels that Newcastle United are in good shape ahead of Saturday's vital game at Norwich City
By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor
Andros Townsend believes Newcastle United are "perfectly prepared" for Saturday's huge Barclays Premier League game at Norwich City.
The Magpies are currently two places behind the Canaries, but know that three points at Carrow Road would take them level with Alex Neil's side with a game in hand over the East Anglian outfit.
And while Norwich picked up a win against West Bromwich Albion last time out, Townsend insists that Aleksandar Mitrovic's late equaliser against Sunderland nine days ago has given Newcastle some real momentum going into a key week in the campaign.
"The whole city wanted a win against Sunderland but to get a draw in the last few minutes, and to stay in touch with Sunderland and Norwich, could be vital," the England international told nufc.co.uk.
"It gives us a chance now going to Norwich. If we get three points, it's all in our hands again, so it was a massive goal and hopefully we can build on that and pick up the win on Saturday.
"The Sunderland game was the biggest derby for a long time and the biggest game of our season, but after that result Saturday's game is the biggest game of the season again - and I'm sure the next game after that will be as well.
"But we've had a couple of good weeks now, including the international break, to learn the manager's philosophy a bit more.
"We're perfectly prepared and everyone's looking forward to Saturday now."
Rafa Benitez has wasted no time in making his mark since becoming the Club's new manager earlier this month.
His players trained on Easter Monday and will have no day off this week - something that Townsend and his team-mates have no complaints about.
And he feels the mood at United's Benton base is just right, despite the task which lies ahead between now and May.
"We're experienced enough not to let the pressure get to us," said Townsend.
"We go on about our business, we train the same way, and hopefully we'll go into Saturday full of confidence. We're working hard. Whenever the manager has us in, we're working hard.
"We're doing a lot of shape work at the minute to try to be more compact than we have been in the past. It's all good and we're looking forward to it."