Liverpool will be desperate to record their second victory in a month as they travel to play Newcastle United on Sunday.
Newcastle will host Liverpool on Sunday in what is considered as one of the Premier League’s classic fixtures. This game has a history of producing plenty of memorable moments, and Sunday should be no different with Liverpool hungry for a victory.
What makes it all the more interesting is the fact that Rafa Benitez will certainly go into the game with some mixed emotions, having spent quite some time with Liverpool. On the flip side, Klopp will be aware of the enormous pressure upon him.
The German has twice failed to pick up maximum points against Newcastle. Moreover, the 3-2 triumph at Leicester City has been the only conquest in six encounters across all competitions for the Reds. All this paves the way for an exciting encounter, and THT takes a closer look at both teams involved.
Team News & Tactics
Newcastle United
Newcastle will have to do without the services of left-backs Paul Dummett and Massadio Haidara, meaning Chancel Mbemba is likely to be deployed in that position. Florian Lejeune is expected to be available after recovering from an injury. The club will also be boosted by the return of Aleksandar Mitrovic following a suspension.
Benitez will look to restrict Liverpool’s attacking threats, while playing a demanding yet direct game from their side. Incisive counter-attacking runs, plus the power of Matt Ritchie and Jamaal Lascelles should be key aspects of the home side’s tactics to disrupt the opponents.
Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Elliot; Yedlin, Lascelles, Clarke, Mbemba; Merino, Hayden; Atsu, Perez, Ritchie; Joselu.
Liverpool
Adam Lallana and Nathaniel Clyne are close to a return but will not feature in this match. Sadio Mane has served his three-match domestic suspension will return to league action. Danny Ings will not feature against Newcastle and will play for the Under-23 side this weekend in order to gain match fitness.
Adam Bogdan is also out but besides these minor hiccups, Jurgen Klopp has a full group to select from. However, with Mane’s return, either Georginio Wijnaldum or Emre Can will miss out. Philippe Coutinho should drop to a deeper role since the Brazilian has been doing quite well in the recent few games.
While all eyes will be glued on Liverpool’s attack, a lot of focus will also be on their defence. Benitez will be looking to exploit the visitors’ frail back line. The Reds are able to retain possession and score goals but they need to work on their defence.
Predicted lineup (4-3-3): Mignolet; Akexander-Arnold, Matip, Lovren, Moreno; Henderson, Can, Coutinho; Mane, Firmino, Salah.
Key Stats
- Newcastle United have won four of their last six home top-flight matches against Liverpoo, winning each of their last two without conceding a goal.
- Of the 41 fixtures between two sides to have been played 40 or more times in the Premier League era, Newcastle against the Reds has seen the most goals per game on average – 138 goals in 44 games.
- Mohamed Salah has scored in four of his six Premier League appearances for Liverpool so far (four goals).
Player To Watch
Philippe Coutinho
Liverpool have been struggling over the past few weeks, but Coutinho has proven to be remarkable. His return to the starting lineup has been crucial for the club as he was quite influential against Leicester City. Against Newcastle, the player should be keen on orchestrating several goals to supply the likes of Firmino and Mane.
The Brazilian has seemingly put behind his failed move to Barcelona this summer, and looks to be at his best. Newcastle could find it extremely difficult to deal with Liverpool’s maestro, and it will be interesting to see how they try to restrict him.
Betting Odds
Favourable Bets
1. Both Teams to Score – YES @1.66
2. Mohamed Salah to score anytime @2.25
Underdog Bets
1. Correct Scoreline 1-1 @8.00
2. Full Time Result – Draw @4.10
Prediction
Newcastle United 0 – 2 Liverpool
When they visit Newcastle United, a win will be paramount for Liverpool ahead of next weekend’s match against Manchester United at Anfield.
Moreover, despite Liverpool’s recent draw against Spartak Moscow in the Champions League, the Reds look solid enough to beat Newcastle, unless a shock result is on the cards. With so much attacking talent at their disposal they will certainly create a lot of chances.
Newcastle will look to exploit Liverpool’s defensive weaknesses but at the end of the match, the Merseyside club should emerge as the victors.
