Eddie Howe has warned how difficult it will be for Newcastle United to break into the Premier League's top six this season.
Only Liverpool are missing from the sides that finished in the top six last term and it is Newcastle who have replaced them for now in the top-flight. But after the Reds made an indifferent start to the campaign, with just two wins from their opening eight matches, Howe expects them to soon rejoin Man City, Arsenal, Man United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at the business end of the table.
Newcastle head to Old Trafford to face Man United today and need a positive result to keep their top six place. Howe is aiming to make it five matches unbeaten.
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Howe said: "I am under no illusions and I think Liverpool will come again, they are an outstanding team. We're very early in the season to make snap judgements on what is going to happen this season.
"We obviously want to be there. We are trying everything we can to be the best team we can be. But the competition is so strong."
United are bidding for their first victory at Old Trafford since 2013 under the guidance of Alan Pardew. That day Yohan Cabaye scored the winner to end 41 years of hurt for Geordie fans.
But failure to win this weekend will mean another decade has passed since fans were able to celebrate a victory against Man United.
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