Arne Slot is well aware of Newcastle United's strengths ahead of Monday's Premier League game
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot(Image: Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)
Arne Slot saw enough in 60 minutes at St James' Park last December to tell him all he needs to know about Eddie Howe's Newcastle United. In case he needed any reminder, he was left in no doubt what they're capable of in the Carabao Cup final in March.
That Wembley victory may have been the first time United have got the better of the Reds since 2015, but Slot is fully aware his side will face a tough challenge in Monday night's Premier League showdown at St James' Park.
The two sides met three times last season, with a pulsating clash on Tyneside ending in a 3-3 draw thanks to Fabian Schar's late leveller.
It could have been very different, with Newcastle twice taking the lead before Liverpool - and Mo Salah - kicked into gear to go 3-2 ahead late in the second half, before Schar's heroics meant a point each.
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At Wembley, Newcastle were the better side for large stretches, deserving their two-goal lead before Federico Chiesa's late goal made fans sweat in the stands.
Liverpool picked themselves up to clinch the Premier League title, and have added players of the calibre of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez to their squad, getting their season under way with a 4-2 win over Bournemouth.
However Slot knows what to expect when his side walk out at St James' on Monday night - and he's ready for the challenge.
"I think if you go to Newcastle you know what to expect," Slot said. "We played them three times last season and twice their intensity levels were above ours. In the away game, especially in the first 60 minutes, they were so, so, so intense and fully deserved to have the lead.
Fabian Schar celebrates his late equaliser against Liverpool with Newcastle United team-mates Alexander Isak and Dan Burn
Fabian Schar celebrates his late equaliser against Liverpool with Alexander Isak and Dan Burn
"In the League Cup final, they were more intense than us as well. So, I don't think they need anything to add for them to be intense if they play at St James' Park.
"Apart from the intensity, it's a very good team, they have also a team that can make it a fight if you want to call it like this, they have players for this but they also have players that are so comfortable on the ball.
"So, one of the best teams in the league and one of the most difficult away games you can have in the season, especially as you say here, 'under the lights'."
Liverpool will be without new signing Frimpong after he picked up an injury in the win over Bournemouth, but Ryan Gravenberch returns to the squad after being suspended.
United added Jacob Ramsey to the squad which drew 0-0 at Aston Villa last weekend, while Joe Willock could return after overcoming a groin injury.