Martin Keown believes Newcastle United have various tactics to call upon against Liverpool. Eddie Howe has adopted a 4-3-3 system for most of his time as Toon boss.
That formation worked to great effect as the Magpies secured Premier League survival last season. In 2022-23, Howe has stuck to his guns - and the move has worked wonders.
Rarely has the 45-year-old tinkered with his side, allowing partnerships to form across the pitch. Sven Botman and Fabian Schar look impenetrable at centre-back, with Dan Burn deputising for Matt Targett on the left side of defence.
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Kieran Trippier has built a strong relationship with Miguel Almiron on the right flank, with both players staking a claim to be crowned Newcastle’s player of the season. While the system has stayed the same, the mentality has been tweaked depending on the opponent.
Against heavyweights Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United on the road, Toon supporters witnessed a dogged, never-say-die performance, far removed from the gung-ho approach in clashes with Fulham, Brentford or Southampton. Former Arsenal defender Keown has suggested this adaptability could hold the key for Newcastle this evening.
“Newcastle have a fantastic chance on Saturday to see off any attempt from Liverpool to squeeze them out of a top-four finish,” he wrote in his Daily Mail column. “They have drawn five of their last six league games, but St James’ Park will be rocking for this, not least because of the friction between the sides left over from their last meeting.
“Newcastle’s game management has been first-class. Recognising when to skilfully slow down play against the best opponents is a tactic that should not be underestimated. Eddie Howe’s Newcastle can play in various ways
“They are capable of playing out from the back but are willing to adapt their style if Liverpool apply their pressing game, by hitting the ball long enough to deny them any joy from pinching possession high up the pitch. Having no Bruno Guimaraes or Joe Willock is a big issue for Newcastle, but it has given a chance to Allan Saint-Maximin, so often their best player in the past, to rekindle his Newcastle career.”
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