Newcastle – Liverpool : Preview & Prediction
Newcastle United have captured the hearts of many Premier League (PL) fans this season as they navigate what is uncharted territory for the club in recent years thanks to their current position in the standings (4th). Their rise to the top positions has been boosted by equaling their longest unbeaten run in league history (G9, E8), which coincidentally began after a 2-1 loss to Liverpool in August, although considering they have drawn five of their last six PL games (G1), the team still has plenty of room for improvement.
While the “Magpies” have spread their wings, it is their defense that has helped them into the top four, having not conceded a goal in ten opportunities during that 17-game unbeaten streak. Therefore, the St. James Park crowd will once again be excited when Liverpool arrive, as Newcastle’s only defeat in their last 24 home games (G17, E6) was to that very opponent, 1-0 in April 2022.
Liverpool ended their four-game winless streak in the PL (E1, P3) and a run of three games without scoring in a timely manner by beating Everton 2-0 last time out. Despite that win, many feel that the most that Jürgen Klopp’s men can realistically salvage this league season is a top-four finish, meaning they will have their sights firmly set on closing the nine-point gap they currently have with Newcastle, although it should also be noted that Liverpool have a game in hand.
Therefore, the “Reds” will be looking to secure a win that will allow them to make history by avoiding defeat for the sixth consecutive time at St. James Park (G3, E2) in the Premier League context, something they have not achieved before in all of history. Otherwise, it would be a fourth consecutive PL defeat on rival soil for the Reds, something that hasn’t happened since April 2012 — a streak that ominously was decreed following a 2-0 loss to Newcastle at this very venue.
Players to watch: After scoring in the previous meeting between these two sides, Alexander Isak could become the first Newcastle player to score home and away goals in the same PL season against Liverpool since Alan Shearer in the 1999/00 campaign. Another newcomer to the PL this season, Cody Gakpo, opened his account for the Reds when he scored against Everton, and has scored eight of his last 12 goals at club level after the break.
Key Fact: Newcastle is the only team that has not lost without being able to score in this PL season.
Newcastle – Liverpool : Betting Tips
Liverpool – Win Odds: 2.25
