McClaren: “Liverpool are title contenders”

With the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham all dropping points on Saturday, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have a real chance to make up even more ground at the top of the table this afternoon meaning the game at St James’ Park has taken on even more importance.

But while the away form under Klopp has been impressive, the Reds have largely played as either underdogs or equals in most of the team’s away days since the German manager took over. That all changes today though, as Liverpool arrive in Newcastle with the tag of overwhelming favourites and Newcastle manager Steve McClaren appears keen to pile the pressure on ahead of the match.

Speaking ahead of the game (via BBC Sport), McClaren said: “They are title contenders, in terms of the form they are in and the way they are going.”

In just a few words, the Newcastle boss has added a huge amount of pressure to Klopp’s players, who will go into the game in great form, but do not need talk of winning the Premier League at the present time, despite being just a few points off the top of the table.

He continued: “Everyone comes into a club in different situations.

“I don’t think anyone would dispute what Brendan had done. He had brought in some very talented players, and you have seen that Jurgen has taken that on.”

Liverpool will arrive in the North-east today on the back of a great run, which has seen them lose just once since the 48 year old arrived and a win would take the Reds to within 3 points of third place, with just 6 separating them from unlikely league leaders Leicester City.

Can Liverpool keep this superb run going (1 defeat in 11 under Klopp; 1 defeat in the last 17 overall) and demolish Newcastle in the same manner they did Southampton on Wednesday? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.