EDDIE Howe has demanded a reaction from his Newcastle United players after the Crystal Palace no-show - but has warned that Sheffield United will be no pushovers despite the fact the Premier League's bottom could be relegated at St James' Park.

Defeat for the Blades this afternoon will confirm a relegation that has looked inevitable for months.

Chris Wilder's side have lost four of their last five games and haven't won since early February in what has been a miserable campaign, but Howe says the fact Sheffield United know their fate will be sealed with defeat on Tyneside makes them dangerous.

"It's not something we're focused on but it makes them a difficult opponent," said Newcastle's head coach.

"Chris is an outstanding manger. I loved it when they got promoted to the Premier League. He's gone back in and his qualities are undoubted. We know it will be a dangerous game."

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Howe's main focus is on his own side and making sure there's an improvement on the back of the disappointing 2-0 defeat at Selhurst Park that dented United's hopes of playing European football next term.

Howe was critical of his players after the setback, calling into their question their mentality on the night, and 48 hours on stood by his initial assessment.

He said: "I just try to be honest. I don't try to speak to my players through the media. You can't hide what is a poor performance. I prefer to call it what it is. Likewise, I'll give credit when it's due.

"We were disappointing. We holds our hands up to it. It could have been similar to Fulham where we maybe didn't start particularly well but could have ground out a result on a different day. But we missed those resilient qualities we need. That's been the case away from home and it's something we need to reflect on.

"The players don't need me to tell them that was a poor performance.

"We must learn and absorb all the lessons from Wednesday. Every game is so difficult, it is up to us to firstly go into the game with the right mentality and let our players express themselves in the right way. We have to finish the season strongly, we are under no illusions on how important these fixtures are."

Newcastle are seventh with five games to play, three points behind Manchester United, who will expect to beat Burnley at Old Trafford today.

The Magpies are two points ahead of West Ham, who have played a game more, and three in front of Chelsea, who have two games in hand.

Howe said: "There's a host of teams that will be frustrated because we've all been inconsistent.

"We're all searching for a formula and momentum lift into the last few games. We have tough games to play but we're looking forward to the last five."

Today's game will come too soon for Kieran Trippier and that's also the case with Miguel Almiron, although the forward is expected to be back in contention for next week's trip to Burnley.

Newcastle continue to monitor Tino Livramento, who will be involved today but is likely to have to settle for a spot on the bench.

Nick Pope has stepped up training but won't be available to face his former team and Joelinton is continuing to take positive steps in his recovery.

But Howe has confirmed that left-back Matt Targett won't play again this season.

He said: "We'll not (see him again) I'll say. If we rushed him back and hit the accelerator he might be back for the last game. But with that in mind we'd be better off waiting for next summer.

"Nick is beginning to start early training sessions. But he has not participated in a big group session

"Joelinton visited a specialist recently and has had good news so continues on his comeback. Miggy is there or there about so we are hopeful for next week."