Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has benchmarked the Reds upcoming Premier League clash against Newcastle United as a big test for the Merseyside club.
Speaking to LFC TV after Liverpool’s 2-0 derby win against Everton, the England international was full of praise for Eddie Howe’s side ahead of their trip to St. James Park on Saturday, with Newcastle currently sitting in the top-four and nine points ahead of Jurgen Klopp’s side.
With Liverpool some way off from a UEFA Champions League spot, the Anfield side will need to embark on an incredible run of form if they’re to return to Europe’s premier club competition for next season, and the Reds’ skipper knows Newcastle will be a huge test.
Henderson said Liverpool’s upcoming Newcastle clash: “The next game is a big test. 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 and more than you never know what can happen.”
With Liverpool looking to turn their season back into something positive, a win on Tyneside against Newcastle could be perfect having won their first Premier League game of 2023 this week against Everton, with three points at a top-four rival ideal for Klopp’s side and their morale.
Indeed, whilst Newcastle will be a hard team to take on, Liverpool have already bested the Magpies once this season thanks to a stoppage time Favio Carvahlo winner at the start of the campaign. And whilst Henderson knows what lays ahead, the Reds have the quality to get a result on Saturday.
Henderson will be hoping Liverpool turn up again to beat Newcastle
One result and one performance has the potential to turn an entire season around for a club, and for Liverpool, that singular event could have been their Merseyside win against Everton, with Newcastle the next big test for Klopp and his rejuvenated squad.
Although Newcastle away will be a completely different test to Everton at Anfield, the performance on Monday will add some wind to Liverpool’s sail that could lead them to a huge three points on the weekend in the northeast, with Klopp no doubt keen to get a winning run going in the Premier League.
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