Liverpool's 11-day fixture nightmare could play into Newcastle United's hands

After three wins on the bounce in all competitions, Newcastle United really didn't want this international break to come. The Magpies jetted off to the Middle East this week for a mid-season warm weather training camp, with morale high after a strong run of form.

They will return to action against West Ham United a week on Monday eager to pick up where they left off, with a home game against the Hammers followed by a trip to struggling Crystal Palace. Of course, Eddie Howe and Co will be fully aware of the dangers of complacency when it comes to two games the Magpies will be firm favourites to win, but already focus is starting to switch to the visit of Liverpool in early December.

The Premier League is shaping up to be a close-fought contest this season, with consistency eluding most sides - even Pep Guardiola's all-conquering Manchester City. However, Arne Slot's Reds are perhaps the exception to that, with just one league defeat for the Dutchman since he took over from Jurgen Klopp in the summer.

READ MORE: Key boardroom figures board Newcastle United flight to Riyadh

READ MORE: Brazil's 'foolish' Bruno Guimaraes approach spotted as Newcastle United star's performance rated

The Anfield side have been in imperious form, topping the Champions League table with four wins from four and heading the Premier League table having dropped points only in a 2-2 draw with Arsenal and a shock 1-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest. Otherwise it has been plain sailing for Slot and Co, and their visit to St James' Park next month will be a huge test of Newcastle's credentials.

United must be at their best to emerge with the points, but having drawn with Manchester City on home turf and beaten Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham in front of the faithful already, confidence will be high among Howe's squad.

And there's another factor which could come into play for that December showdown. Liverpool will head to Tyneside in what will be their fouth game after the current international break, while it will only be Newcastle's third. What's more, the match comes after successive Anfield clashes against Real Madrid in the Champions League and Manchester City in the Premier League - potentially two of Liverpool's biggest games to date.

After Newcastle comes what is likely to be Liverpool's last ever visit to Goodison Park as they visit city rivals Everton for the Merseyside derby just three days after facing Howe's men. It would be too strong to suggest the Reds could take their eye off the ball at St James' Park given the nature of the games either side of that match, but if it came to prioritising fixtures, United could benefit.

Liverpool expect to have Trent Alexander-Arnold available after he was forced off in their win over Aston Villa before the break, while summer signing Federico Chiesa could be back in action in the coming weeks.

Liverpool's next five fixtures

• Sunday, November 24: Southampton (A), Premier League

• Wednesday, November 27: Real Madrid (H), Champions League

• Sunday, December 1: Manchester City (H), Premier League

• Wednesday, December 4: Newcastle United (A), Premier League

• Saturday, December 7: Everton (A), Premier League