Jordan Henderson ready for Liverpool’s ‘big test’ against Newcastle

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Newcastle United welcome Liverpool to St James’ Park on Saturday, and Reds captain Jordan Henderson is expecting a very ‘tough’ game.

Jurgen Klopp’s side got back to winning ways on Monday night. They beat Everton in the Merseyside Derby, with Mo Salah and Cody Gakpo scoring in a 2-0 win.

The victory means Liverpool are nine points behind Newcastle going into this weekend’s fixture, and they also have a game in hand. That means this weekend is a great chance for them to drag themselves back into the race for the Champions League.

As for Newcastle, it is their final game before the Carabao Cup final. Eddie Howe will have the difficult task of focussing minds and ensuring the players aren’t just thinking about the game at Wembley. The next game is always the most important, and that is Liverpool in the Premier League at 5.30pm on Saturday.

St James’ Park should be very lively, and Henderson has admitted that it is always a difficult ground to play at. However, he is hopeful after the win against the Toffees.

Jordan Henderson admits Newcastle are ‘flying’

After beating Everton 2-0, Henderson spoke to LFC TV about their next game against Newcastle.

“The next game is a big test,” he said.

“Newcastle are flying this season. I think they are unbeaten in 11, something like that. So it’s really, really tough place to go and play but if we can perform like we did tonight and more than you never know what can happen.”

Chance at redemption for Newcastle

Henderson is actually underselling Newcastle. Howe’s side are unbeaten in 17 Premier League games. That is how many they have played since they took on Liverpool at Anfield.

That is the only league defeat that the Magpies have suffered this season, and it came in the dying seconds. Fabio Carvalho netted a late winner for the Reds, in a game where Newcastle were criticised for timewasting.

The controversial nature of the defeat angered a lot of Toon fans, and the club will be eager to get revenge this weekend.

But while Henderson is expecting a tough game for Liverpool, it is also going to be a tough game for Newcastle. The cup final could serve as a distraction, Bruno Guimaraes is still suspended, we have injury problems and appear to be struggling for goals.

In contrast, Liverpool should be confident after beating their rivals Everton. But Henderson clearly appreciates the size of the task on his team’s hands, and has a lot of respect for Newcastle and what they have achieved this season.