Eddie Howe has assembled quite the squad during his time as Newcastle boss.

While many expected the Magpies to splurge when the takeover was confirmed in 2021, they have instead invested to become one of the most hard-working sides in England.

That’s not to say they haven’t spent big over the last few years – their four record arrivals have come since 2021 – but rather we haven’t seen the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland rock up at St. James’ Park like many expected.

However, it’s fair to say they are in a much better place having invested in players to benefit the squad rather than the individual.

It now means that opponents struggle to get the better of Newcastle given the hard-working, dogged approach Howe has implemented.

They do, after all, rank third for possession won in the Premier League this season (1440) as they look to end their major silverware drought, a barren run that stretches back to their 1955 FA Cup success.

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What’s key is the midfield trio at Howe’s disposal. In Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, Howe has three central midfielders that act as relentless ball winning machines.

Only Bournemouth (603) have won possession in the midfield third more times than Newcastle (592) in England’s top tier this term, with Tonali (77), Guimaraes (71) and Joelinton (70) ranking sixth, 10th and 11th, respectively, for this metric in the division.

They bring the necessary physicality to the midfield that helps disrupt the rhythm to any side, noted in that Joelinton (51) and Guimaraes (43) rank seventh and ninth, respectively, for total fouls in the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.

The Brazilian bruisers aren’t afraid to get stuck in to ruffle the feathers of opponents but do so just enough to avoid landing in hot water with officials, evident in that Newcastle have received the joint fewest yellow cards (52) in the division.

That they don’t shirk a physical battle in crucial, with Newcastle ranking 10th for overall possession (50.4%) in the Premier League.

Howe needs hard working individuals to ensure this Magpies machine runs smoothly. Vital, too, is having the ability for the midfielders to pick the right pass when they do win the ball, which serves to highlight Guimaraes’ importance in the middle of the park.

Not only is the Brazilian effective off the ball, but he’s able to help get the ball forward quickly to catch unsuspecting opponents out.

Indeed, Guimaraes ranks top for accurate through balls (12) in England’s top tier this term and while the Magpies have scored just two counter-attacking goals this season, it’s not for want of trying with 30 efforts following a counter attack the fifth most.

Howe’s demand to get the ball upfield quickly isn’t to merely get the ball away from danger either.

He's fortunate in that he is able to call upon one of England’s most lethal forwards with Alexander Isak looking to add to his 22 domestic goals this weekend. Isak missed the 2-0 loss at Anfield last month due to injury but fans are hoping the Swedish superstar can fire the Magpies to glory.

Here it is even more important for the 25-year-old to hit the back of the net with Anthony Gordon suspended after his red card against Brighton in the FA Cup earlier this month.

Gordon’s suspension is huge, and it remains to be seen how Howe will manage the England international’s absence, whether he opts for the more attack-minded Harvey Barnes, or plumps for energy to disrupt the Liverpool backline by bringing in Joe Willock.

Howe has been lucky in that he’s been able to routinely select a consistent XI due to a lack of European action, and this means the core players are well versed in the manager’s high pressing demands. Even those prepared to step in understand the assignment.

While the Magpies hardly threatened Liverpool at Anfield last month, the availability of both Isak and Joelinton, the duo having missed the 2-0 defeat on Merseyside, boosts Newcastle’s chances of denying Arne Slot a first piece of silverware following his appointment last summer.

Granted, the absence of Gordon due to a ban and Lewis Hall because of injury really hurts Newcastle down the left side.

However, if the Magpies can grab the midfield battle by the scruff of the neck, to minimise the opportunity of the Reds to settle into their rhythm, then they have as good a chance as any lifting the Carabao Cup on Sunday.