Chelsea's Enzo Maresca hails 'fantastic' Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali

The Italian midfielder has drawn praise from Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, who described him as "fantastic" ahead of the high-stakes clash.

The fixture is being dubbed Newcastle's biggest Premier League match of the season, with a win bringing them tantalisingly close to securing a place in next season's Champions League.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are aiming to keep their European hopes alive under the guidance of Maresca, who took charge earlier this season.

Speaking to the media, Maresca acknowledged the challenge that awaits his side and singled out his fellow Italian as a major threat.

"Sandro probably this season has been top for Newcastle," he said.

"For him, he's doing very well. He's a fantastic player. I know him since he was in Brescia and then moved to Milan and then now here in England.

"He's a fantastic player, he's doing well but they have many, many good players. They are different players. We're going to try to prepare the game in the best way, in the way that we think we can win the game and hopefully at the end we can be happy with the result."

With the race for the top four intensifying, the outcome on Sunday could prove decisive. Both sides have shown flashes of brilliance this campaign, but consistency in the closing stages will be crucial.