PATRICK Bamford is feeling the benefit of 'confidence and momentum' as Norwich City prepare to host Newcastle United in a crunch Barclays Premier League clash at Carrow Road on Saturday (3pm).

City go into the meeting with Rafael Benitez's side three points ahead of their rivals, sitting just above the division's bottom three following a 1-0 success at West Bromwich Albion last time out.

The potential importance of the match is not lost on Bamford, who told canaries.co.uk: "Although you don't want to put too much pressure on it, it's a massive game.

"Our last two games have been great for us. We only got a draw against Manchester City, but that was still a really good result as well as a great performance, then we won at West Brom.

"In terms of myself, it’s been crucial to get confidence and momentum, especially as a striker. People normally say you need three games to get that, and I've had two now.

"I've enjoyed them both, so hopefully I can play a role on Saturday."

The former Nottingham Forest youngster could be in line to come up against two familiar faces, with United's Jamaal Lascelles and Karl Darlow also being products of the Reds' Academy.

Lascelles has featured in Newcastle's previous five matches, while goalkeeper Darlow looks set to start following Rob Elliot collecting an injury when representing the Republic of Ireland earlier this week.

"I’ve already spoken to Jamaal as he’s one of my good mates," said Bamford.

"We played together since I was eight until I left for Chelsea, so I know him really well. It will be interesting to come up against the pair of them.

"I think if Karl plays it will only be his second or third start for Newcastle. I'm sure he'll be excited about that, but he'll be nervous as well.

"We will catch up afterwards, but won't be friends when we're on the pitch. I'm looking forward to the challenge."

PATRICK BAMFORD: MOMENTUM IS CRUCIAL

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