Two English giants go head to head this weekend, as Liverpool travel to St. James' Park to take on Newcastle. Steve Freeth, Kelly Somers and Sam Matterface discuss the game and the progress the home side have made this season.
Saturday night sees Newcastle host Liverpool, with the home side unbeaten on their own patch in the league this season. 11 teams have tried, but all have failed.
However, history dictates that this will be a stern test for Eddie Howe's side.
The Magpies haven't managed to beat their visitors since way back in 2015, and the Reds also handed Newcastle their only loss this season in the reverse fixture, albeit in controversial circumstances.
If the rest of this season is anything to go by though, the two sides have swapped roles; Liverpool are desperate for points, and are currently lingering around mid-table whilst Newcastle are flying high and are looking good for a top four finish.
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Newcastle's season was always going to be one that draw attention, with it being their first full campaign with the combination of manager Eddie Howe and their new owners.
They have certainly lived up to expectations and, perhaps more impressively, have done it without having to flex their financial muscles too much. The Magpies have been shrewd with their business and have risen up the table under the impressive Howe.
Liverpool, on the other hand, have failed to live up to expectations.
They were desperately close to winning the league last season, narrowly missing out on the final day, and haven't finished outside of the top three in the previous three years.
The big-money summer signing of Darwin Nunez looked set to rival Manchester City's acquisition of Erling Haaland but the Uruguay international has so far failed to deliver on the hype and price-tag he came with. However, where they have really struggled is at the back, having already conceded more goals than they did in the entirety of last season.
Jurgen Klopp's men will be hoping they can build on their derby victory with their visit to Newcastle, but the hosts will be quietly confident of boosting their top four hopes.
It promises to be a cracking game whatever the result. Watch the video above for Kelly, Sam and Steve's thoughts on the two sides ahead of Saturday's game.
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21 Mar 24
