Newcastle United welcome Liverpool this afternoon for what should be a tough encounter.
Although Liverpool`s away record has been poor so far this season they will be full of fight as they look to tighten their grasp on a Champion`s league spot.
And Roeder has admitted that Newcastle should be challenging for Europe too.
Roeder
‘A few years ago under Sir Bobby Robson, the club qualified for the Champions League. That has got to be the ultimate aim of any manager who manages this club.
‘We need to be in Europe every season. I certainly understand that and when I took the job, I certainly accepted the responsibility that goes with that.
‘But this season has been exceptional. I think the boys have done very, very well – the ones who have remained been fit – to have kept their nerve and motivation in the midst of such an horrific injury crisis.
‘I do not know anyone in football who remembers such an horrific injury crisis. It has not just been for a month, it is now running into a fifth month, and we are still in double figures.’
Newcastle Team News:
Babayaro may return after and 11 game absence.
Newcastle (from): Harper, Srnicek, Solano, Babayaro, Edgar, Taylor, Bramble, Onyewu, Huntington, Butt, Parker, Milner, Duff, Pattison, Troisi, Gate, Martins, Dyer, Sibierski, Luque, Carroll, LuaLua.
Player to watch: Babayaro
After 11 games out the inconsistent left back returns. Just how many mistakes will he make?
Liverpool Team News:
Gerrard is fit, Alonso suspended. Liverpool (from): Reina, Finnan, Agger, Hyypia, Carragher, Riise, Aurelio, Pennant, Gerrard, Sissoko, Zenden, Bellamy, Crouch, Kuyt, Fowler, Gonzalez, Arbeloa, Dudek.
Player to watch: Kuyt
Will be looking to show the Toon what they missed out on.
Match Facts & Stats
Home and away
League: Newcastle 39 wins, Liverpool 67, Draws 37
Prem: Newcastle 6 wins, Liverpool 15, Draws 6
at Newcastle only
League: Newcastle 28 wins, Liverpool 20, Draws 23
Prem: Newcastle 5 wins, Liverpool 4, Draws 4
Next Fixtures:
Wigan (a)