Newcastle United do not play this weekend, as their scheduled opponents for this weekend, Chelsea, take part in Sunday's FA Cup Semi-Final with Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley.
A great time then to reflect on the Magpies' remarkable season so far and look ahead to the final five games that will prove vital in determining the outcome of a campaign in which Alan Pardew's side have won many admirers.
Around six weeks ago, Newcastle's season looked in danger of fizzling out, they had just earned themselves a point in the Tyne-Wear derby thanks to a late goal from Shola Ameobi after previously squandering a two goal lead and settling for a share of spoils against basement club Wolverhampton Wanderers.
What came next could well be viewed as a season defining moment for Newcastle. On the verge of earning a credible 1-1 draw at Arsenal thanks to a goal from Hatem Ben Arfa, Pardew's men threw too many men forward and conceded a late winner as Thomas Vermaelen prodded home from close range after a superb Gunners' counter.
Pardew's charges stood stunned, fatigued and generally devastated. However, the definition of a good team is how they handle and ultimately react to disappointment. Luckily, Newcastle have reacted splendidly, they have been nothing short of spectacular since getting back to winning ways with a 1-0 triumph over Norwich City.
Indeed, Newcastle have now won five consecutive matches, dismantling West Bromwich Albion and Liverpool while effectively dispatching of Swansea and Bolton Wanderers.
A number of factors have contributed to the Magpies' rediscovered consistency. A steely resolve has always been present within this Newcastle side, and this has helped them remain solid defensively despite injuries to Fabricio Coloccini and Cheick Tiote. Pardew's men have conceded just one goal in their last five outings with James Perch and Mike Williamson surprising many with their effectiveness at the back.
The main reason for Newcastle's winning run however has been the decision by Pardew to switch from a 4-4-2 to a 4-4-3 formation. The change has improved the form of Yohan Cabaye, who is now playing in a slightly more advanced position with more freedom to attack in the centre of the midfield three, but the two players it has had the biggest effect on are Hatem Ben Arfa and Papiss Cisse.
Ben Arfa has recaptured the form he demonstrated on many occasions in his spells at Lyon and Olympique Marseille, scoring three goals - including the magnificent solo effort against Bolton Wanderers on Easter Monday - and chipping with three assists in the last six games.
Cisse's rise has been nothing short of sensational, the Senegalese international made a decent start to his career on Tyneside, netting on debut against Aston Villa and again in the draw with Wolves. He then endured after a brief goalless spell, but has since netted in each of Newcastle's last five victories. Notching twice against West Brom; Liverpool and Swansea and taking his tally to a phenomenal ten goals in nine games.
The former Freiburg man may be blossoming in his new surroundings, but the switch to a 4-4-3 has had a detrimental effect on the goal scoring prowess of compatriot Demba Ba, who has not scored since the clash with Aston Villa and has had to adapt to operating in his new role on the left of the attacking three.
Ba's lack of goals are a worry, but the new formation, the resurgence of Ben Arfa and the astounding form of Cisse have taken Newcastle within touching distance of the Champions League places, two points ahead of Chelsea and level on points with 4th placed Tottenham.
The Magpies will now be able to recuperate from the rigours of their recent surge, safe in the knowledge that 6th place will guarantee them Europa League football if Liverpool defeat Everton in the other Wembley Semi-Final on Saturday.
Newcastle's winning streak has allowed to set their sights higher and aim for a place among the European elite, but knowing that European football will be secured with a top six finish would surely take some of the pressure off as Pardew's men head into the final five games of a marathon campaign.
The Geordies face a home clash with Stoke City and a trip to the DW Stadium to face strugglers Wigan Athletic in the coming weeks, and while Newcastle can ill afford to look upon these fixtures as easy, they will certainly be looking to take maximum points from both contests to put them in the best position possible ahead of key games with Chelsea and Manchester City.
Chelsea's commitments in the FA Cup and in the Champions League Semi Finals against Barcelona could well prove to be to Newcastle's benefit as Roberto Di Matteo's Blues cope with the trials of competing on three fronts.
Still if Pardew's troops wish to earn a place in Europe's top club competition, then they must maintain the consistency they have displayed in recent weeks. This could be difficult given the fixtures that the Magpies face, but if there is one thing that Newcastle have shown throughout the season, it is spirit and resiliency. If they are able to harness that into five more positive results, then the Geordies could well gatecrash the biggest party in European club football.
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