Toon in training: Bourne to run

Despite having no game last weekend, the players have continued to train hard over the last few days - but preparations stepped up a gear on Friday.

And club photographer Serena Taylor went behind the scenes to bring nufc.co.uk this gallery. 

Rob Elliot gives Joselu a kiss

Rafa Benítez walks outside ahead of the session

Christian Atsu shakes hands with Mikel Antia

Dwight Gayle juggles the ball

 Chancel Mbemba shares a joke with his team-mates

Jamaal Lascelles and Matt Ritchie, who will jointly receive the North East Football Writers Association's player of the year award on Sunday evening

 Massadio Haidara and Kenedy pose for the camera

 The goalkeepers warm up with coach Simon Smith

 Jonjo Shelvey and DeAndre Yedlin lead the pack of players 

 Jacob Murphy gives the thumbs up 

 The players warm up

 Kenedy reacts to a drill

 The goalkeepers prepare to be put through their paces

 Elliot was in superb form when Newcastle won 1-0 on their last visit to AFC Bournemouth in November 2015

 Ritchie will make his first return to the Vitality Stadium after joining Newcastle from the Cherries in the summer of 2016

 Rafa gives instructions on the training pitch

 Martin Dubravka is set to keep his place after his fantastic debut against Manchester United last time out