Momentum Key For Colback

By Dominic Scurr

Midfielder Jack Colback wants Newcastle United "to carry on the momentum" against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

After picking up four points from their previous two Barclays Premier League games against Manchester City and Swansea, the Magpies now travel to Liverpool in good spirits as they search for their first away points of 2016.

However Liverpool, like City, could have their European semi-final tie in the back of their mind and Colback hopes United can exploit that.

"I think it will be similar to this Man City game because Liverpool are in good form and doing well in Europe," he told nufc.co.uk.

"They're in a European semi-final but they haven't really taken their foot off the gas in the league either so it will be difficult.

"But the closer they get to the next (Europa League) game, the more they could have an eye on that and we have to take full advantage if they do.

"We've got to maintain the level of performance, be compact and organised - as we have in the past two games."

He added: "Liverpool have good players that play with a high intensity. Obviously we have to try and match that which will be tough, but we've got confidence and hopefully we can get the result."

Saturday also sees Rafa Benítez return to Anfield for only the second time since leaving the Reds in 2010.

However, Colback is certain the current Newcastle boss will not be showing any sentimentality towards his former employers.

"Rafa has nothing to prove at Liverpool," Colback continued.

"I'm sure he'll get a great reception but his focus at the moment is obviously to keep Newcastle in the Premier League.

"It can be a nice occasion to come back to your former club but three points is all anyone will be focused on this Saturday."