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Boss: "It Will Be A Cracking Game"
Written by Newcastle Utd
Alan Pardew looks ahead to Newcastle's away game at Liverpool on Sunday, believing the two sides are very similar
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter
Alan Pardew believes there are a number of similarities between Newcastle United and Liverpool, but has urged his side to take advantage of the Reds' current 'vulnerability' on Sunday (4pm kick-off).
The Reds are a team in transition following the summer arrival of manager Brendan Rodgers, with personnel and style both undergoing change at Anfield as the Irishman makes his mark on the club.
And opposite number Pardew believes there is more pressure on Rodgers to achieve success and return Liverpool to something near their former glories.
"It's good for British football if Liverpool have a strong side, like Newcastle," said United's supremo, ahead of their Premier League meeting.
"I think we are two clubs who are very similar at the minute - both striving to be a top-six team.
"It is two hard-working cities, working-class clubs and the supporters want passion and spirit on the pitch as much as the fluent football that they've been used to over the years.
"That's the pressure myself and Brendan have to bear, to make sure our teams are competitive and that we play the game in the right manner.
"If I'm honest, I think there's a little bit more pressure at Liverpool because of the stature and the trophies they've won.
"You have to look at Newcastle and say we haven't won a trophy for so long. So historically you would have to put them much higher than us.
"But at the moment I think we are pretty even. It will be two very good sides (on Sunday) and it will be a cracking game."
The Magpies travel to Anfield this weekend, looking for their first league victory there since April 1994 - more than 18 years ago.
And Pardew is confident that his troops can put that unwanted statistic to bed, as he looks to make the most of Liverpool's current inconsistency.
"It's a period for Brendan and the team where they are evolving," said Pardew.
"The way the team is evolving they are vulnerable, but they still have some fantastic players - the England captain (Steven Gerrard) and (Luis) Suarez are two of the best players in the Premier League.
"We will have to make sure we are very much on top of our game."