Newcastle has been surprisingly sluggish and slow in achieving their usual high standards this season as inconsistency continues to impede their progress. However, as a team with a relentless, well-organized, and determined style of play, Eddie Howe and his backroom staff will find a way to reach expectations and force their way into those coveted top five spots as the campaign unfolds.
Coming into this fixture, the Magpies have been on a rollercoaster ride, competing in both the Champions League and domestically. After comfortably defeating Dutch outfit PSV in the Champions League, Newcastle lost to Aston Villa, then pulled off a remarkable draw to reigning champions PSG at the Parc des Princes, proving their strength as a collective even though they have been inconsistent.
Returning to league action, the trip to Anfield was daunting, as Liverpool outplayed them in every department. In the Carabao Cup second-leg semi-final against Man City, the Magpies fought bravely, yet the damage had already been done in the first encounter. Now with the Bees next, Howe will be ruthless in his pursuit of a much-needed win.