Rival reckons Coutinho's 'special'
For the inside track on what to expect from Newcastle on Saturday, we asked Magpies supporter Joe Mills for the crucial details of his club.
How's your season gone?
I think this season has been a real disappointment compared to last. I never expected us to emulate the heights of last season but it's been sad to see us being worried about relegation late in the season with the quality we have on the pitch. I will say, however, that we showed a lot of promise in some of our Europa League performances.
What are you hoping for this summer?
I'd like to see us sign a quality out-and-out striker, someone who can win the aerial battles up top and hold the ball up. I think we should be less concerned about signing new players and focus more on keeping our big names and getting them all fit for the start of next season.
Who makes you tick?
Yohan Cabaye. When that man is firing on all cylinders he's absolutely world-class. He can dictate the pace of a game and has the ability to pick a pass not many other players in the PL would even see. We need to hold onto him this summer!
Liverpool players you rate?
There's the obvious in Suarez. All issues aside he is an absolutely world-class striker. His goalscoring record speaks for itself this season and I'm glad he's not playing against us! Coutinho looks a dangerous player too. He definitely has the potential to develop into something a bit special.
If you were manager for the day...
I'd give Hatem Ben Arfa the freedom of the pitch, I wouldn't play 4-2-3-1 and finally - if we went 1-0 up - I'd insist on pressing for a second goal instead of Pardew's usual trick of sitting on a 1-0 lead and allowing the opposition to throw everything at us until the lead is gone.
What can we expect from the atmosphere?
We're at the business end of the season now and we really need three points to just finally put everyone's relegation worries at ease. The atmosphere should, as always, be electric. There will be 50 thousand Geordies absolutely desperate to see us get something out of this game. If it's anything short of ear-shattering I'd be surprised.
Best and worst thing about a trip to St James' Park?
The best thing is the noise. When the ball hits the back of the net and that roar from the fans erupts it's like nowhere else. Sends shivers down your spine! The worst thing has to be sitting in level 7 and having to walk down endless stairs after the game.
Best and worst thing about being a Newcastle fan?
Following Newcastle United is an absolute emotional rollercoaster. There's always some sort of drama and we're so unpredictable. I think that's the best and the worst all in one - you're always entertained. One week you're on the wrong end of a 4-3 thriller at Old Trafford; then the next week you're watching 10 goals fly in at the Emirates. Madness.
Prediction?
1-1.