Barnsley are hoping to spoil Newcastle United's party on Sunday in their final game of the season.

The Reds visit the promoted Magpies, who are second but can still win the title, from 12 noon. A sell-out is expected at the 52,000-capacity stadium, with Barnsley having sold their allocation of 2,789.

Reds head coach Paul Heckingbottom told the Chronicle: "They are still desperate for the win to take first place which gives an edge to the game.  It is a massive challenge for us but we will go there to spoil their party.

"We need to be ready for the atmosphere, the occasion and the noise. We've caused a lot of shocks away from home this season but this would be the biggest one. A good result there would be a great end to the season."

Newcastle confirmed an immediate return to the Premier League last week by beating Preston 4-1 then kept themselves in contention for the title with a 2-0 win at Cardiff City, while leaders Brighton lost at home to Bristol City. United are a point behind Brighton so need the Seagulls to lose or draw at Aston Villa to take the trophy to the North East with victory over the Reds.

While they have by far the best away record in the division, the Magpies are only the seventh best at home with 46 points on the road compared to 45 at St James' Park. Rafa Benitez's aide are the second top-scorers in the Championship with 82 goals this season including two in a win at Oakwell in October.

Barnsley have beaten Newcastle 11 times but more than half of them were before the Second World War. Their last victory was in 1992 and since then they have lost nine of 11 meetings with 2-2 draws at home in 1997 and 2009. The Reds' record at St James' Park is even worse as, since back-to-back wins in the 1930s, they have lost 12 of 16 visits with their only victory being a 2-1 success in 1982. They have not won there in 11 games with the last six trips all ending in defeat, the most recent being a 6-1 crushing in 2010 in Newcastle's previous season at this level.

The Magpies top-scorer Dwight Gayle, who has 22 goals in 26 starts this season including two at Oakwell, is a doubt with a hamstring injury while the second top-scorer Matt Ritchie is suspended. Captain Jamal Lascelles is also out injured as is Dutch international Vurnon Anita.

Adam Armstrong cannot play for Barnsley as he is on loan from Newcastle. Saidy Janko is back in contention for the Reds after missing Saturday's draw with Burton due to a back injury, while Adam Davies has overcome a groin problem. Adam Hammill is very unlikely to be involved, while Marc Roberts, Sessi D'Almeida, Aidy White and Andy Yiadom are all out injured.