Eddie Howe has urged Newcastle United to continue to focus on themselves as the club aim to navigate a complicated run-in and seal a return to the Champions League for the first time in 20 years.
Newcastle are third in the Premier League table with 65 points, two ahead of fourth-placed Manchester United and six in front of Liverpool, who are fifth having played one more game.
The Magpies are aiming to finish in the top four but face a tricky climax to the season, starting with title-chasing Arsenal at St James' Park on Sunday, followed by relegation-battling Leeds United and Leicester City - either side of a home match against in-form Brighton - before completing the season with a trip to Chelsea.
"All season we haven't focused on where we are, who's around us, the form of teams - we've just focused on ourselves and that's all we can do," Howe said on Friday.
"We have a tough run of fixtures but I think at the same time a great run of fixtures because every game is important. They're great occasions and we look to carry on our good form.
"We're competing against elite teams who will fight to the end and we have to do the same. In our five games we need to give our best preparation and focus because the fight we're in could go right to the end of the season."
Newcastle last faced Arsenal in a fiery goalless draw in January, after which the Gunners were fined £40,000 $50,428) for failing to control their players, and their manager Mikel Arteta attracted criticism for an angry exchange with Howe.
Howe said the clash was a closed chapter, adding that he had a lot of respect for the "incredible job" Arteta had done at Arsenal.
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Arsenal's Ben White challenges Joelinton of Newcastle during the Premier League goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium on January 4, 2023. Reuters -
Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope saves from Bukayo Saka of Arsenal early in game. Getty -
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. Reuters -
Referee Andy Madley shows a yellow card to Callum Wilson Newcastle in the first half. Getty -
Arsenal's Granit Xhaka slides a shot into the side netting. AFP -
Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes demands referee Andy Madley book an Arsenal player. AP -
Newcastle striker Callum Wilson shoots at goal. EPA -
Arsenal's Eddie Nketiah is shown a yellow card by referee Andrew Madley. Reuters -
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe. Getty -
Newcastle midfielder Joelinton under pressure from Arsenal's Bukayo Saka. AFP -
Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope saves at the feet of Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli. Getty
"Within a game you will always have moments where you come up against opponents and there is a bit of confrontation. That is natural and part of the job. No issues from my side," Howe said. "Whatever happens it will be a great spectacle between two really good teams."
Howe added that winger Allan Saint-Maximin may be available after a hamstring injury, adding: "Allan has trained. He trained yesterday and it was great to see him back on the grass.
"He trained very well too so I'm really pleased with that.
"Sean (Longstaff) is OK. He's improved but he hasn't trained yet. We're hoping either today or tomorrow he will but we'll wait and see," he said of the midfielder.
