Guidolin sets new target in final five games

Francesco Guidolin has set his players a new target in the remaining five games of the season.

The Swans reached the 40-point mark in the Premier League last weekend following an impressive 1-0 home win over Chelsea.

That result saw Guidolin's men move up to 13th place in the table - their highest position since October - ahead of Saturday's trip to Newcastle (3pm).

However, they now face a side battling to avoid relegation from the top-flight with Rafa Benitez's side having won just once in their last 10 league games.

And Guidolin has urged his players to reach a new milestone if they can secure victory at St James' Park.

"I think 40 points could be enough for us, but we want to beat 42 points - that's our next target," he said.

"However, I think Saturday's game will be more difficult than Chelsea. For Newcastle it is a difficult moment but they have good players and a good manager, but I am confident in my team.

"Rafa (Benitez) is a good manager and I hope for him that they stay in the league - Saturday is an important match for them.

"We want to look up the table and we now have another five finals to play - starting on Saturday.

"It will be difficult for us to finish in the top half but the most important thing is to think match by match and we are only focused on Saturday's game."

Meanwhile, Guidolin confirmed that he had held talks with chairman Huw Jenkins this week as speculation continues regarding his future with the club.

"I spoke to him on Wednesday, but nothing is decided yet," he said. "We spoke about many things - players, pre-season, staff and the club structure.

"I told him I would prefer to stay here if possible but I am awaiting his decision."

Guidolin also confirmed that Leon Britton is back in contention for Saturday's game after missing the win over Chelsea with a back problem.