Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher says Newcastle United must look to win the midfield battle against Liverpool when the two sides meet at St James' Park. Jurgen Klopp's side ended a four game winless run in the Premier League with a win against Everton in the Merseyside Derby on Monday night.
However, Carragher claims Everton froze on the night, allowing Liverpool to come away with the points from the tie. That alone will be somewhat of a warning to the Magpies who have endured a lull in recent weeks.
Eddie Howe's side have drawn five of their last six Premier League fixtures, a disappointing return after taking on some of this season's strugglers. Nonetheless, the Toon are still unbeaten since August and the defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.
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Speaking to Sky Sports, Carragher said: "Liverpool in midfield have struggled to cope with the intensity and physicality of lots of teams - not just the top teams - as we saw against Wolves last week. I don’t want to be too critical of Everton because they’ve taken three points out of their first two games with Sean Dyche.
"It’s a really good start, but if I was an Everton fan I’d be so disappointed with not losing the game, not Liverpool having more quality. I want to say the lack of fight - just freezing.
"This week, in the city, there’s been a bit of trepidation with Liverpool fans and I’ve heard it so many times, then seen that performance from Everton so many times. Yes, there’s a lack of belief because they haven’t won here in so long, but we gave the young lad Man of the Match, Bajcetic, he’s about eight stone.
"The midfield from Everton there you’d think would overpower him and win challenges, so I just think yeah, Everton will be disappointed, but I’ve seen that performance from Everton for so many years."
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