Newcastle Toons
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Is this the best time for Newcastle to play Liverpool?

By Durim Halimi

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MAY 04: Jordan Henderson of Liverpool turns with the ball under pressure from Fabian Schar of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC at St. James Park on May 04, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MAY 04: Jordan Henderson of Liverpool turns with the ball under pressure from Fabian Schar of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC at St. James Park on May 04, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /
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Playing Liverpool is a daunting task at any point in the season, but Newcastle United have caught a slightly lucky break by those in charge of creating the season schedule.

Newcastle United will travel to Liverpool this weekend for what will be one of the most difficult games of the season for the Magpies. Liverpool have been defeating teams with ease to start the season and they are the only team in the Premier League that have claimed the maximum number of points (12) after four games.

After saying all that, you’re probably wondering why I claimed that Newcastle United caught a slightly lucky break by playing Liverpool this weekend. Let me explain. Firstly, the best time to face a superior opponent, especially when that game is on the road, is after an international break for two key reasons.

Firstly, Newcastle United have been blessed with two weeks to prepare for a title contender. The Toon will most likely be ultra-defensive, but working on defensive schemes takes just as long as preparing for a team offensively. Secondly, Liverpool’s camp has been pretty quiet since several of their players have been on international duty, primarily in the EURO 2020 qualifiers. Fatigue and a lack of tactical preparation from many of Liverpool’s players for Saturday’s game could help the Magpies out quite a bit.

Champions League

Another key reason why this is a great time for Newcastle United to face Liverpool is because Jurgen Klopp is in the midst of a dilemma. Immediately after playing Newcastle United at Anfield, Liverpool will travel to Italy for their first group stage clash against Napoli, which is their primary rival in Group E.

Klopp has to decide whether he will deploy his strongest possible lineup against an inferior Newcastle United side or save his best lineup to get three points against Napoli. Both games are important for Liverpool. A win against Newcastle United will maintain the Reds’ early two point advantage over Manchester City, and a win against Napoli would get the ball rolling for them on their quest to defend their Champions League title this year.

Next. Muto should play up top, Almiron out wide. dark

If I had to make an educated guess, I think Klopp will deploy his strongest lineup against Napoli, but he might let players like Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri start against Newcastle United.