Howe upbeat about Newcastle's form ahead of 'tough' trip to Liverpool

Howe upbeat about Newcastle's form going to Liverpool
Howe upbeat about Newcastle's form going to LiverpoolReuters

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe insists they'll go to Liverpool with no fear on Saturday.

Newcastle need a result to strengthen their top-four hopes against a direct rival. Liverpool sit in sixth place, two points off fourth and three points ahead of Newcastle. 

The Magpies go to Anfield on the back of an impressive draw at Champions League title holders PSG in midweek.

Howe reflected: "It was a high elite game we had on Wednesday. You could feel how good Paris were and how good we were to stay with them in that game.

"The players showed their qualities, and we were a bounce of the ball away from winning the game. We have proven how good we can be away from home, and there should be no fears from our side."

However, Howe also admitted: "We have found Anfield a difficult environment to find results, but our performances have been pretty good there.

"It is a tough place to play. Liverpool have been brilliant over the years, and we have to be at our best to get something there."

Bruno could make it

Meanwhile, Newcastle could receive a boost with captain Bruno Guimaraes close to being declared fit for the trip.

Howe said: "Slightly unknown at the moment. He did really well to be with us in Paris, and he was desperate to be there and support the players.

"We did very light training, and he participated in that. He trained with us yesterday, and that was more of a test, so let's wait and see."

It's now four years since Bruno joined Newcastle, and Howe also said of the Brazil international: "Very difficult to sum it up quite quickly.

"He has been an incredible signing. I had never met Bruno before, and it was a big signing because we needed Bruno to come and be the signing he would be. From the very first moment he turned up in a suit, it has been a great development from then to the player he is today.

"The way he has done it, the way he has embraced the supporters, he is a class act."

Moving on from Isak

Newcastle will not face former striker Alexander Isak tomorrow, with the Swede's season effectively over for Liverpool due to injury.

Howe said, "We have moved on. It is irrelevant what happened then. We are not looking back, we are looking forward."

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard was full of admiration for Newcastle and Howe this week over their draw in Paris.

On praise from Gerrard. Howe smiled: "It's a mutual love. 

"Steven Gerrard was one of my favourite players. I thought he was an incredible footballer, so I will take any praise I can get. But it is all about the players, I thought they were incredible."