Newcastle United are currently fourth in the Premier League table, but Gary Neville believes they will be looking over their shoulder if they lose to Liverpool this weekend.
The Magpies welcome Jurgen Klopp’s side to St James’ Park on Saturday night, as they put their 17-game unbeaten run on the line. Eddie Howe’s team have not tasted defeat in the league since they lost 2-1 to Liverpool at Anfield back in August.
There was controversy surrounding the defeat, and Newcastle will be out to get revenge. However, they go into the fixture on a bad run of form, while Liverpool’s tails are up.
Howe’s side were disappointing against Bournemouth at the weekend, with the 1-1 draw meaning that the Magpies have won just one of their last six league outings. As for Liverpool, they will be feeling confident after beating Everton in the Merseyside derby.
That win has boosted Klopp’s Champions League hopes, and Sky Sports pundit Neville thinks this could be a big weekend in the race for the top four.
Gary Neville thinks Liverpool will be ‘confident’ if they beat Newcastle on Saturday
The former Manchester United defender spoke to Sky Sports after Liverpool’s win over Everton, and discussed their chances of making it into the top four.
“All of a sudden when you look at that league table, it doesn’t look like they’re out of the reckoning for the top four,” Neville said.
“I never thought they were. I think Newcastle at this moment in time are having a little bit of a blip. Only won one in six.
“If they [Liverpool] were to win on Saturday in that game against Newcastle they’d be in a very strong position. I think Liverpool will be very confident and difficult to stop.”
Huge game on Saturday for Newcastle
As it stands, Liverpool are nine points behind Newcastle. That gap could be down to six if they beat us on Saturday. And they have a game in hand too.
Momentum is a powerful thing in football, and Klopp may feel the pendulum start to swing in their favour if they can win this weekend.
But Newcastle should still be confident about their top four aspirations. We are hard to beat and while we haven’t won many lately, we aren’t losing.
At this moment in time, a draw on Saturday would probably be a great result for the Magpies. It ensures we keep our run going and stops Liverpool closing the gap.
It is difficult to see us winning given our recent form, Bruno Guimaraes’ suspension and Joe Willock’s injury. A draw would have to be considered a positive outcome, and I’m sure a lot of supporters would take a point if they were offered it right now.