Champion test is one to savour, says Bruce
STEVE Bruce has urged his players to “enjoy” the challenge of taking on serial trophy winners Liverpool at St James’ Park in today’s final game of the season.
The Magpies are on a poor run of form and have failed to win any of their last five games in the Premier League.
Newcastle have been handed odds of 7/1 with William Hill to pull off an unlikely victory against the Premier League champions.
With another match set to unfold behind closed doors, Bruce said: “Usually when you play against the big teams you need the crowd to help you.
“I think behind-closed-doors games have helped the bigger clubs.
“As a professional, the one thing you want to do is compete against the best.
“This Liverpool team is as good as you get at the minute.
“They are the best team in the Premier League, Champions League winners and World Club Cup winners.
“However, let’s enjoy taking them on.”
Liverpool players partied at Anfield earlier in the week as they beat Chelsea 5-3 before picking up the Premier League trophy.
Bruce hopes a long week can play into his hands, adding: “I hope they have been partying for three nights and there are a few of them worse for wear!
“However, with all their professionalism I don’t think they will be.
“The way they went about their jobs against Chelsea showed what a great side they are.”
United lost the reverse fixture 3-1 at Liverpool in September after Jetro Willems had fired them into the lead.
Former Wigan Athletic and Aston Villa manager Bruce reflected: “We did particularly well down there against them for a while at Anfield.
“It is always great when the top clubs come to you.
“That is what you compare yourself with and that is what you aspire to.
“They are a great, great team so let’s enjoy the l a s t game of the season and see what we can do.”
Liverpool go into the game with plenty of incentive for another win as they bid for a club record points haul.
Victory would put them on 99 points which would beat the tally of 98 set in the 1978/79 season (when the top flight was adjusted to three points for a win.)
Newcastle are looking to beat last season’s points tally of 45.
The one thing you
want to do is compete against the best and this Liverpool team is as good as you get
Steve Bruce