Klopp makes NUFC prediction and name-checks five Mags ahead of tonight's trip to Liverpool

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has backed Newcastle United to become the next side to break into the top six, describing us as a "great club" that has "everything" needed to unsettle the pack.

Speaking ahead of tonight's clash at Anfield, the 55-year-old stated that we are a "different animal" under Eddie Howe, praising the job he's done since arriving and the business we've done over the last two transfer windows.

He feels club record arrival Alexander Isak is a "really good player", believing Sven Botman and Bruno Guimaraes are two other "smart signings" we've made since the new owners came in.

Klopp also described Chris Wood as an "absolute machine" up top, but accepts it's good news for him that top class striker" Callum Wilson will be missing.

Interestingly, the German also suggested that we may not need another transfer window to compete with the big six, applauding the number of points we've accumulated since the turn of the year.

Here's everything he had to say:

“They will be [the next team to break into the top six].

"If Eddie Howe gets time, I am not sure they need another transfer window [to compete at the top].”

“Newcastle is a great club. They have had a lot of success in the past but in recent years not so much any more. They have everything you need to be a top-six club, or whatever that means…

“They are unbeaten this season, since Eddie is there they have got an awful lot of points and played really good the second half of last season. They are really difficult to play against."

Klopp on Isak, Bruno, Botman, Wood and Wilson:

"They are a threat.

"With Isak they have brought in a really good player.

"Not only him, but Botman, Bruno last year. Smart signings, good signings.

"Wood...an absolute machine up front.

"But if Callum Wilson cannot play...each team would recognise that as he's a top class striker.

"So, yeh, they are a completely different animal."