Eddie Howe has warned his Newcastle United players that anything can still happen in the remaining fortnight of the Premier League season.
The Magpies are on the brink of Champions League qualification and can do without kicking a ball if Liverpool lost to Aston Villa today. But with Leicester City still scrapping for survival, the black and whites know they will still have a tough test on their hands on Monday night in a game they may still need to win.
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Newcastle have occupied a Champions League slot for 23 from 36 match days while Liverpool have not been in the top four this term. It's a fact that Howe is accutley aware of, and knows it can be a warning for his team if things go Liverpool's way at Anfield as many tipster's expect.
Howe told Chronicle Live: "We are where we are at the moment very much on merit. Our performances have warranted the league position we are in. But after 38 games that matters, not 36. "
"That's the challenge that we face. To be that team after 38 games."
Howe says he does not plan to watch Liverpool's game and will instead be working on his preparations for Leicester. The former AFC Bournemouth boss is keen to try to control the controllables. The head coach said: "I will probably be looking at Leicester I imagine."
Howe goes into the game with a number of injury concerns with Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff set to miss out through hamstring and foot injuries. But Howe hopes that the likes of Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Fabian Schar can shake off slight knocks.
When asked if some players have pushed through the pain barrier, Howe said: "I think players have. Every season I have ever managed players are playing through certain things.
"That may be supporters or media don't know about. We're not going to disclose every little knock you get. It's part and parcel of being a professional footballer. The rigours of what the players go through, training, gym work or it is tough physically.
"But it's the willingness to do it. Every individual is different. But the majority of the squad have been willing to do it. Get their heads down when they are not feeling great."
