Newcastle United will go into their Bank Holiday Monday clash with Chelsea defending a seven-match unbeaten run - and goalkeeper Steve Harper feels the Blues will provide a true test of how far the Tynesiders have progressed under Kevin Keegan.

Prior to that run there were genuine fears that the club could become embroiled in a relegation battle.

But since a 3-0 defeat at Liverpool on March 8, United have won four and drawn three.

It is a run that has lifted Keegan's men up to 12th in the Premier League and Harper feels the recent form bodes well for next season.

But with two games remaining, the Newcastle goalkeeper believes it is important to continue their recent good run.

And that will start with the visit of Avram Grant's Chelsea next Monday.

The Blues need to win to keep any hopes of landing the Premier League title alive after moving level on points with Manchester United following their 2-1 success over Sir Alex Ferguson's men at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

"It's all about momentum for us now, we want to take something into next season," said Harper, who has started the last 12 games for Newcastle in Shay Given's absence.

"The last seven games have gone well for us, four wins and three draws and we're unbeaten. It's been a nice feeling. But Chelsea is a bit of a yardstick for us to see just how far we really have come.

"We'll be going up against a team with some superstar players who are going for the title who may well be in the Champions League final by then.

"But we'll have 52,000 screaming us on and I'm sure we'll give them a good game."

Newcastle showed great character to come back from two goals down to earn a point at West Ham on Saturday and both sides can have a major say on the title race this weekend.

The Hammers travel to Old Trafford on Saturday and Newcastle host Chelsea two days later. The Blues moved level on points with Manchester United following their win over the current champions on Saturday.

And Harper is looking forward to being involved in a game, which will have a major impact on the outcome of this year's championship.

He said: "Chelsea is a massive game - it's nice to have a say in it. I'm not too bothered who wins the title, it's about going out and doing the best for our club.

"Chelsea had a big win on Saturday, they'll play again on Wednesday and we'll see how they are when they play us on Monday. Manchester United have got West Ham at the weekend and it might be that they need to win to go on and win the title.

"I think we drew 0-0 at our place near the end of last season but they've got a big game in the week while we've got nine days to recover."