Newcastle United have now picked up four points from their last two Premier League games, including a victory at the London Stadium over Tottenham Hotspur.
Steve Bruce will hope that his side can continue their good form after the international break, but they face a tricky test this weekend, when they travel to Anfield.
The Reds are currently on a 13-game winning streak in the Premier League, and have not been beaten at Anfield in over two years in the domestic league.
The Magpies put in a tough fight during their last visit to Anfield, but have not been able to beat Liverpool in any of their last 23 visits to Merseyside.
Bruce will need his players to be on the top of their game, and here are three players who will be crucial for the visitors in their bid to return home with a point or perhaps three:
Liverpool vs Newcastle United: 3 Players Who Can Stop Liverpool
Fabian Schar
Arguably the best player for Newcastle United so far this season, Schar was instrumental in his side getting all three points against Spurs earlier in the season. He will have to put in a similar, if not a better performance this weekend, to help his side stay in the game.
Playing in a three-man backline, Schar is given the freedom to try and win the ball back just outside the box. He will have his work cut out against the likes of Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino and will need help from either Javier Manquillo or Emil Krafth on the right flank.
But Schar can frustrate even the best of strikers and could prove to be the biggest test for Liverpool in this game.
Joelinton
Newcastle’s summer signing Joelinton scored his side’s winner against Spurs, and was also effective in their games against Watford before the international break. The Brazilian is an intelligent player, who is hard to mark and the system Bruce will use at Anfield will make him that much more effective.
Joelinton is expected to play as the furthest of the forwards, waiting for a mistake from the Liverpool backline. He is adept at hold up play and will look to play on the shoulders of the last defender, breaking up play high up the field.
The former Hoffenheim star is a willing runner and will put pressure on the home side. This energy will be crucial for the Magpies to try and break Liverpool’s dominance at home.
Jonjo Shelvey
The former Liverpool midfielder has been a regular in the first team for Bruce this season, and his return to Anfield will be an important one this year.
Shelvey has played at the heart of the midfield for most games and has done well to sit back and dictate the tempo for his side. He will have to provide cover for his backline, but what makes him dangerous is his ability to set up his side on counters.
Liverpool are expected to push as many men forward as possible and Shelvey’s vision and long-range passing could be the biggest threat for the hosts.
His passing will push Jürgen Klopp’s defence a bit closer to their box, and could affect the entire system that has paid dividends for Liverpool so far this season. If he is on the top of his game, Liverpool are in for a tricky game at Anfield.
