Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has labelled Liverpool “almost unstoppable” ahead of the two sides meeting on Saturday.
The Reds head into the game after recording a 2-0 victory over Villarreal in the Champions League on Wednesday and will hope to put pressure on Manchester City in the Premier League title race. Being the early kick-off on Saturday, Liverpool could move two points clear at the top of the table with a win, prior to City’s game against Leeds later in the day.
Newcastle could yet play an important role in the title race , with the club set to play both contenders for the Premier League crown before the end of the season. However, despite his own side’s strong form, Howe could not help but laud the current Liverpool team..
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When asked about Newcastle potentially being important in the title race, he said : “It’s nice to hear but the reality has to be shown on the pitch. Nothing but our best - and I’d probably say better than we’ve delivered so far - will be good enough (against Liverpool).”
Howe continued: “I've watched Liverpool in-depth for a long period of time and they’re an incredible team. They have a way of winning games even when they’re not at their best, which is probably the hallmark of a great team, and when they’re at their best, they’re almost unstoppable.”
The Newcastle boss confirmed that both Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson will be unavailable for the Magpies as they continue to recover from injury. Liverpool's latest opposition have performed well despite their absence though, having won their last six games at St. James’ Park.
With the fixture coming between Liverpool’s Champions League clashes with Villarreal, Jurgen Klopp has previously called for the kick-off time to be moved to help aid his side’s recovery. But Howe appeared to sit on the fence when the topic was brought up, highlighting his team’s recent 3-0 win over Norwich.
“It can work both ways. You go back to last week, we had a midweek game, Norwich didn’t, and I don’t think anyone can second guess how that helps or hinders your team,” he added.
“We’ve had a good week’s training, we’re prepared, but Liverpool are used to the physical demands that are placed upon their players. It hasn’t disrupted them in any way throughout the season. So I expect Liverpool to be at their best and in that case we have to be at our very best to get anything.”
