Mind-games have never really been one of Alan Pardew's biggest selling points - he's more boldness and bluster than nuance and subtlety, preferring words of four letters to loaded ones. But he's tried his hand a little in the run up to Liverpool saying he probably knows what to expect from Liverpool's team:
"I'm pretty confident I know what Liverpool will do, I'm pretty confident I know what Brendan's side is."
Injuries and a commitment to a rigid model means Rodgers' options are indeed limited, but that's not necessary reason to crow. And neither is it any reason to goad the manager of the team who came second last year, though that wasn't enough for Pardew:
"I know him well enough to know how he'll come and play but, for us, we can surprise them because one thing's for sure, Brendan won't know my team."
Does that mean unexpected starters? Or is it just the over-excitedness of a manager on the verge of four wins in a row? What do you think the Newcastle vs Liverpool score will be? Share your thoughts below in the comments thread.
