Benitez "Confident" Ahead Of Palace Clash

By Dominic Scurr

Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez says his side are "confident" going into Saturday's Barclays Premier League match against Crystal Palace at St. James' Park (3pm kick-off).

Following a 3-0 home victory over Swansea City and comeback draws against Manchester City and Liverpool, Benitez believes the Magpies are in a good position to take three points this weekend.

"Obviously we have to win," said the Magpies' boss.

"Crystal Palace will try their best but at this stage of the season everyone wants to win and knows how important it is.

"The last few games we have seen the team spirit and the character - that is why everyone has more confidence.

"Hopefully we can score the first goal and get the fans behind the team. Hopefully we will see that until the end of the season and into next season in the Premier League."

Palace booked their place in the FA Cup final last weekend and Benítez believes that could work to the Magpies' advantage.

"Everybody knows what it means to be in a final," he continued.

"It's so hard to get into a final and once you're there obviously you have to be careful.

"Their players will be thinking about the final, in the back of their minds they will not want to pick up any injuries but also want to prove themselves.

"But we have to think about our own situation and try to win. We'll have the fans behind us and we have to give everything.

"They were doing really well earlier in the season so we know that they have a good team that are well organised and play good counter attacking football.

"Now they are more or less safe. You have to do the maths but, for me, they are safe.

"When you prepare for the game you look for weaknesses in the opposition and unfortunately there aren't too many.

"The main thing now is concentrating on our team so that we can win."