Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez has said that his team can take an important step towards securing their Premier League safety by beating Huddersfield Town on Saturday afternoon.

Newcastle are currently 13th in the Premier League table - one point clear of 15th-placed Huddersfield.

The Magpies have only lost one of their last six in the league, but are only four points clear of the relegation zone.

Benitez has insisted that his side would not be safe if they beat Huddersfield, but it would be "a big step forward".

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

"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."

Huddersfield recorded a 1-0 win when the two teams met at the John Smith's Stadium earlier this season.