The upcoming showdown between Newcastle United and Liverpool has Jamie Carragher dishing out his two cents on Eddie Howe’s squad. The former Liverpool star reckons the Magpies are in for a wake-up call when they go head to head with Liverpool on New Year’s Day.

Carragher pointed out how, despite outperforming Jurgen Klopp’s crew last season, Newcastle have been floundering in the Champions League this time around. The once soaring Magpies have stumbled to six losses in their last seven games, painting a very different picture from their previous impressive run.

In a lighthearted and comical manner, Carragher highlighted the “unfair perception” of success for Newcastle, poking fun at the notion that they could immediately become a threat to Klopp’s Liverpool. He said it’s a tad naive to think so.

Using examples from the past, Carragher brought up Chelsea’s attempt to nab Steven Gerrard and Liverpool’s offloading of Raheem Sterling to Manchester City. He cracked jokes about the new owners’ seemingly quick ambitions and how challenging it is for Newcastle to replicate similar scenarios, despite their newfound riches.

The football legend then went on to explain how the Magpies’ financial muscle is limited by the Premier League’s regulations, using the case of James Madison picking Tottenham over Newcastle as an example. He comically compared this to Newcastle trying to snatch Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold or Mohamed Salah, highlighting the mammoth task Eddie Howe faces in keeping the club’s status.

Carragher’s amusing take on Newcastle’s ride in the Premier League puts a playful spin on the discussion of their current woes and the obstacles they face in solidifying themselves as a top-tier team. With a blend of wit and football knowledge, he expertly lays out the reality check awaiting Newcastle United in their bout against Liverpool.