Liverpool visit Newcastle United on Saturday at lunchtime with the chance to move into first place for at least a few hours. The Reds are fresh off defeating Villarreal 2-0 in the Champions League semifinal first leg at Anfield on Wednesday night. In truth, Liverpool could have won the game by more goals.
Newcastle United are reborn under Eddie Howe. The Magpies go into the game on Saturday on the back of four straight wins. This won’t be a walk in the park for Liverpool and Newcastle United could end the Reds’ attempt to win the Premier League.
Form: Newcastle United vs Liverpool
Liverpool lead the Premier League form table with 16 points from the last 18 points available. They scored 14 goals and conceded just two times.
Newcastle United head into the weekend in excellent form as well. The Magpies took 12 points from the last 18 available to them. Newcastle scored eight goals and conceded just seven times in the last six games. Despite getting results, goals were in short supply.
Head-to-head: Newcastle United vs Liverpool
Liverpool have an excellent head-to-head record against Newcastle in recent seasons. The Reds’ record is 6W-4D-0L across the last 10 meetings with Newcastle in all competitions. The Magpies have not defeated Liverpool since 2015-16 at St. James’ Park.
Newcastle won 2-0 on the day thanks to an own goal from Martin Skrtel and a Georginio Wijnaldum goal -The Dutchman was still a Newcastle player at the time.
Earlier this season, Liverpool defeated Newcastle 3-1 at Anfield thanks to a come-from-behind win. Ex-Red Jonjo Shelvey opened the scoring for Newcastle in the seventh minute with a brilliant long-range strike.
From there, Liverpool took over with Diogo Jota scoring in the 21st minute and Mohamed Salah adding another four minutes later. Trent Alexander-Arnold put the game to bed in the 87th minute with a third goal.
Team News: Newcastle United vs Liverpool
Expect Jurgen Klopp to ring the changes after Wednesday night’s win against Villarreal at Anfield. Joel Matip could replace Ibrahima Konate in the centre of defence as Klopp tries to keep his centre-backs fresh.
Diogo Jota started on the bench versus Villarreal but could be recalled. Divock Origi’s recent return to form and man of the match performance against Everton could see him start. Thiago and Jordan Henderson could also be rested.
According to the latest reports, Curtis Jones and Kostas Tsimikas are suffering from illnesses and could miss the match. Roberto Firmino is still recovering from a foot injury and is a doubt to make the squad.
Howe could be without up to five players including Ryan Fraser, Kieran Trippier, Callum Wilson, Isaac Hayden, and Jamal Lewis.
Prediction: Newcastle United vs. Liverpool
Newcastle United 15/2 to win at full-time
Liverpool 4/11 to win at full-time (according to Bet365)
This is a difficult game for Liverpool. They are coming off of a win against Villarreal in the Champions League and are in red-hot form. Manchester City play the late match on Saturday versus Leeds United. The Reds can really turn up the heat and pressure on the Cityzens, but they must avoid defeat.
The previous match between Newcastle and Liverpool finished with both teams scoring and over 2.5 goals scored.
Six of the last 10 matches in all competitions between these teams finished with over 2.5 goals. Seven of the last 10 ended with both teams scoring.
My prediction for this game is for both Newcastle and Liverpool to score as the teams combine for over 2.5 goals. Liverpool need to keep the energy levels high and I fancy Mohamed Salah to get a goal on the day. Bet365 has Salah at 10/11 to score anytime. He scored against Newcastle United last time out.
The Egyptian has two goals and three assists in his last three games in the league. Salah has played well against Newcastle in his career. The forward has six goals and two assists in 10 Premier League games against the Magpies.
My betting pick: Newcastle United vs Liverpool
Liverpool to win
BTTS
Over 2.5 goals
Salah to score anytime
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