Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe says facing Liverpool on Sunday is a "good test".
The Toon will host Liverpool at St James' Park.
Howe said: "Last year we were disappointed with two defeats. The one at Anfield was a difficult night and the home game was painful in a different way.
They're very, very good at what they've been historically good at for four or five years, but they are building a new team with slightly different characteristics in midfield. We know this is another really good test for us, following on from Man City and Aston Villa."
On his rivalry with Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, Howe said: I don't really have a relationship with any manager, I'm competing against them. I find it very difficult to have personal relationships with competitors.
I've been the same as a player, I wouldn't talk before the game to people I knew on the other team, I just draw a line. That's just how I've always been. I respect Jurgen a lot, I think he's done an unbelievable job, he's an unbelievable manager, but I draw the line at friendships because they don't exist for me against competitors."
On Joelinton making the clash, Howe added: "Joe is fine. We didn't see him in the early part of the week but he trained in the latter part so fingers crossed he's OK."