Liverpool are set to take Newcastle on in today’s New Years Day clash. The Reds will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the table.
2023 was a year of two halves for Jurgen Klopp’s men. The team looks completely different from the start of the year compared to where they are now.
Liverpool have seemingly been revitalised and now find themselves well in the title race.
They currently sit at the top of the Premier League table level on points with Aston Villa.
However, the Anfield club have today’s game in hand and could reach 45 points if they overcome the Magpies.
In recent weeks, Newcastle have been going through a torrid time.
They currently find themselves in ninth and have lost four of their last five Premier League games.
For Liverpool, it feels as if there has never been a better time to face Eddie Howe’s side.
Jurgen Klopp shares his thoughts ahead of the clash
Klopp is not overlooking the Magpies and has claimed that they are a ‘dangerous opponent.’
“To tell you the truth, I could not be happier with our last performance away to Burnley,” Klopp said in his column.
I said immediately after the game that our finishing could and should have been better and my mind definitely has not changed on this.
“But overall it was exceptional that we could play the way that we did in what was our fourth game in the space of 10 incredibly intense days. The players deserve so much credit for this.
“The challenges in this league are only ever big ones. Burnley’s league position might not be what they want but their football is of a much higher level. So, although we could have definitely made life easier for ourselves by taking more of our chances, it was clear to everyone that we deserved to win the game.
“We should also not forget that in order to miss chances, you have to create them and this is an area of our game that I have been really pleased with lately.
“It would definitely make sense if we could show this kind of quality again tonight because under Eddie Howe Newcastle are a team which is well-organised and difficult to break down, while at the same time carrying a real threat in attack.
“They are also a side which will want to strike back after a disappointing result against Nottingham Forest. For all of these reasons and many more, they will be a dangerous opponent.”
Liverpool will be looking to extend their run of form and cement their place at the top of the table.
Today’s game will also be the last we see of both Mohamed Salah and Wataru Endo until February.
The pair will be absent from the squad due to their respective continents international tournaments.
Hopefully, the pair will be able to leave Liverpool on a high and leave the Reds in a good place.