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Newcastle United can overcome the "best defender in the world" and return from Liverpool win with a "huge upset", insists Magpies captain Jamaal Lascelles.

Following a dire stalemate against Fulham at St James' Park at the weekend, Rafa Benitez's side travel to Anfield to take on unbeaten Premier League leaders Liverpool on Boxing Day.

While Lascelles is under no illusions about the challenge which faces the 15th-placed Magpies on Merseyside, the United skipper has confidence in his team-mates that they can claim a draw - or maybe even a shock win - against Jurgen Klopp's side if they follow Rafa Benitez's specific gameplan to the detail.

"They are a good side. Last year we drew 1-1 at home against them and they are flying at the moment," Lascelles said ahead of the trip to Anfield.

"There is no reason why we can't go there and cause an upset though. I am sure the gaffer will have a tactic that will trouble them and, whatever he says, we will do to the best of our ability.

"If we work hard, play with intensity, and get in and around them, there is no reason why we can't cause an upset."

Crystal Palace's 3-2 victory against Premier League champions Manchester City on Saturday has given a renewed confidence to top-flight sides that they can visit the so-called 'Big Six' clubs and leave with a positive result.

And while Lascelles does not want to discuss the form of his relegation rivals, he has always believed that Newcastle have had enough character and quality within their squad to win at some of the most difficult grounds in the country.

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"I don't look at other teams and say: 'We could do it because they have.' I am confident in our team that we can beat anyone on our day. I have always said it," Lascelles added.

"We just need to do it when we cross the white line. Liverpool are flying and they will be a very attacking team.

"But we have been pleased with our away performances. During the second half of the season we really have to improve our home form.

"Against Liverpool, if we work hard and are solid, we can create chances. We have to keep their front three quiet."

One player who Lascelles is keen to see at close hand is Liverpool's Van Dijk, who the Newcastle centre-back describes as the "best defender in the world".

When the Dutchman moved to Anfield in January for a world-record £75million fee for a defender, many pundits questioned the Reds' wisdom in spending such a sum on one player - but Lascelles believes Van Dijk has proven he is worth the price tag with his consistently excellent performances since.

"Van Dijk is the best defender in the world. Every centre-half looks up to him and thinks he has got everything," Lascelles added.

"People thought it was a high price tag but, since he moved to Liverpool, he has shown he is worth every penny.

"Pretty much every centre-half will look at him and think: 'He has got it all.' He is good on the ball, strong, tall, and he is leader. Whoever plays next to him, he will make them look good too.

"So he is one of the best in the world. I hate talking about other players but he is. Hopefully I can score one over him on Boxing Day, though."