There’s been a momentum shift on Tyneside after what can solely be described as an terrible week for Newcastle United, with a dismal 2-0 defeat to West Ham adopted by an equally poor draw at Crystal Palace the place we arguably deserved nothing.
Earlier than final month’s worldwide break and the 2 video games talked about above, we noticed indicators of great enchancment because of three-straight wins over Chelsea, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.
As these two houses video games proved, we sarcastically haven’t any downside performing in opposition to the ‘large boys’ at St James’ Park, the place we’ve additionally crushed Spurs and held Man Metropolis to a 1-1 draw up to now this season. The problems centre round or incapacity to beat these we should always, with us failing to select up three factors in opposition to Bournemouth, Fulham Everton, Brighton, West Ham and Crystal Palace, scoring simply three objectives throughout these six video games.
Nonetheless, whereas our conflict with top-of-the-table Liverpool could not outline our season or reply the massive questions round our means to create, rating and beat these ‘lesser’ sides, it will be big for Howe if we might finish our nine-year watch for a win over the Reds.
Howe’s pre-match feedback
Howe on the final two video games – “I feel while you return to the final two video games we’ve had – West Ham we actually created numerous probabilities, particularly in that first 60 minutes. And I believed we seemed like a very good staff however we didn’t take them.
“Palace was totally different. What I mentioned after the sport; as soon as we’d scored and we had been main the sport, we’ve completed our job to that time. As a lot as we nonetheless wish to rating, we wish to go two nil up, the sport had by no means been a free flowing efficiency from us. And if we’d gained the sport one nil, we’d have mentioned that was an excellent form of away day for us the place we didn’t play properly however we acquired an awesome win.
“We didn’t defend the cross properly sufficient after which the entire focus comes again on form of the efficiency with the ball. Our attacking output was very low. We’re not going to disclaim that or conceal that so actually we’re a number of issues and making an attempt to make tweaks”
Howe on criticism – “I’ve little question that criticism is on the market – it’s on the market on a regular basis. However it’s magnified for those who’re not acting at your finest. You count on it, perceive it and reside with it. It doesn’t actually change something I do.
“I’m continually analysing the staff to see if we will tweak issues. If anybody thinks I’m sat there going, ‘We’re going to do the identical factor each week’ then nothing could possibly be farther from the reality!”
Howe on Liverpool – “Liverpool are superb, very sturdy – what every week they’ve had in opposition to Actual Madrid and Manchester Metropolis. Their players are enjoying properly – we’re going to must put in a very good defensive efficiency and pose them questions going ahead as properly.
“There may be an pleasure concerning the recreation, and to assault a recreation like this might be an excellent factor.We have now to deliver our strengths, and our strengths are distinctive to us.”
Staff information
Alexander Isak (hip) handed himself match to play in an interview with beIN Sports activities on Monday, however Howe mentioned on Tuesday morning that he’s but to coach and should handle the ache to begin in opposition to the Reds.
Dan Burn (ankle) has had restricted coaching time however needs to be OK to go once more. Nonetheless, Emil Krafth (collarbone), Sven Botman (ACL) and Jamaal Lascelles (ACL) will miss out.
For Liverpool, they’ll be lacking six senior gamers. Centre-back Ibrahima Konate is dominated out, that means Joe Gomez ought to begin alongside Virgil van Dijk, whereas Alisson, Jota, Conor Bradley, Kostas Tsimikas and Federico Chiesa may even miss out.
Predicted XI
(4-3-3): Pope – Livramento, Schar, Burn, Corridor – Longstaff, Bruno, Tonali – Joelinton, Isak, Gordon.
The defence picks itself for now, though there could come a degree the place Howe opts for Trippier’s expertise and high quality in possession, which we’ve missed from a management and inventive perspective in opposition to sides we needs to be beating.
Midfield is the robust one. That is the form of recreation Longstaff will begin for his diligent work off the ball, Tonali absolutely wants a run within the aspect – he was certainly one of few to impress at Palace – and Bruno’s high quality and combat is required in video games like this.
It might be a danger from Howe to combine it up in midfield, however Willock has been poor of late and barely begins twice in 4 days after his damage points, whereas Joelinton could also be wanted out broad if Howe continues to go with out Barnes, Murphy or Almiron from the off. Additionally, it’s value noting that we beat PSG 4-1 with a midfield three of Longstaff, Bruno and Tonali…
I count on Isak to be OK and I feel we might see Gordon transfer again to his favoured place on the left, the place he’ll be hoping to get at Alexander-Arnold or exploit the house he might depart; particularly with no Konate to mop up down their right-hand aspect.
Match prediction
Earlier than Palace, my coronary heart mentioned a 0-1 win and my head went for a 1-1 draw. This week, I’ll go along with my head, which may’t assist however really feel Liverpool could have an excessive amount of; however I feel we’ll make an excellent recreation of it.
It’ll be fascinating to see how Lewis Corridor manages Mo Salah, hopefully an evening that doesn’t characteristic Darwin Nunez turning into prime R9 for one night time solely, however above all else an enormous likelihood for Howe and the gamers to reply to what was a fairly disastrous finish to November final week.
Prediction: Newcastle 1-2 Liverpool
Howay the lads!