Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez braced for relegation battle with Huddersfield

Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez says a win against Huddersfield on Saturday will be a big step forward in their fight against relegation.

A win for Benitez's side could put them seven points clear of the bottom three but with Huddersfield just one point behind Newcastle, the Spaniard is taking nothing for granted.

"When you are getting closer to the end [of the season], these games are even more important," he said.

"With our league positions, it's a massive game for both teams. Things will be a little easier [if we win] but we still have to keep going until the end.

"We have to make sure we play well, get three points, but we will still have to keep fighting.

"Are we safe if we win? No chance, I don't agree. A win on Saturday will be a big step forward but we need to get to 40 points. That is the figure [to avoid relegation] but it could be less."

Benitez could hand a debut to loan signing Islam Slimani after the Algeria international recovered from a groin problem, while winger Matt Ritchie and full-back Jesus Gamez are also fit.

The only absentee is Joselu, who is sidelined with an ankle injury.

Newcastle lost 1-0 at Huddersfield in August and Benitez says his players must be patient in trying to break them down.

"Huddersfield are not a team that will attack all the time," he said. "They also are quite good on the counter-attack, are well-organised - they know what they have to do.

"They are aggressive, they press, but also they are good enough to wait and find the right time to play counter-attack."

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