Magpies must play 'close to a perfect game' at Liverpool, says Howe | OneFootball

The Magpies head to Anfield seeking a first win there since a League Cup triumph in November 1995, when a Steve Watson strike saw United win on Merseyside.

It is a tough ask for those in black and white in midweek, with Arne Slot's Reds currently 11 points clear at the summit and boasting a fine home record against Newcastle.

Head coach Howe spoke to the media ahead of the game, and here are some of the main talking points from that pre-match briefing at the Magpies' training centre in Benton:

On Wednesday's challenge...

"We need to play close to a perfect game. I think learning from the recent game against Manchester City would be a useful starting point for us, where we didn't execute the aggressive game plan that we wanted. We didn't attack enough.

"Anfield is a really great environment to play football, but not a great environment if you are not totally there. We need to make sure we turn up.

"We are going to need to start the game well - we have to be aggressive, have a threat in the game. We need every bit of our game to be functioning."

On being mentally prepared for the game...

"Whatever they are trying to do, they are doing it well - their record at Anfield this season has been very strong.

"We have to be mentally very strong in this game - we have to have the strength to execute our game plan."

On the latest team news...

"Sandro (Tonali) came through (Sunday's win over Nottingham Forest) fine - I anticipate he will be fully fit for Wednesday.

"Sven (Botman) is improving and improving quickly. We will see if he makes the game or not. He will be close.

"Joe (Joelinton) is really improving, doing really well, pushing again. He is close."

On Lewis Miley's progress and performances...

"Lewis can be anything in the respect that he could really take his position, solidify that position and be there for a number of years. Obviously, you have to have that little bit of luck, staying injury-free.

"He has all the technical capabilities and mental capabilities. He can do a bit of everything - he has the running capacity, he is very composed in training, he is one of the best technical players that we have. I see a bright future for him."