Ahead of Wednesday’s vital Premier League clash, we have the Newcastle vs Liverpool preview, prediction, latest team news and confirmed line-ups.
Newcastle vs Liverpool Preview
After their mini revival at the start of November, Newcastle United will be kicking themselves after a succession of poor results. The first being a shock 2-0 defeat at home to struggling West Ham.
A victory against the Hammers would have lifted the Magpies back into the European spots. However, Tomas Soucek and Aaron Wan-Bissaka had other ideas.
Fast forward to GW13 and Eddie Howe’s side threw away a vital two points in the dying embers of the game against Crystal Palace. Long-term target Marc Guehi netted an unfortunate own goal to give the Geordies the lead.
Daniel Munoz, who staked an earlier claim for miss of the season, redeemed himself by netting in the 94th minute to ensure a share of the spoils.
Tonight’s task doesn’t get any easier for the Toon Army. Eddie Howe’s side haven’t tasted victory over the red half of Merseyside in nine years. In fact, they have lost 11 of the last 15 clashes including the last six in a row.
Under the lights at St. James’ Park. 💫 pic.twitter.com/S7RqRxUg2b
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 4, 2024
Liverpool On Course For Second Premier League Title
Barely into December, and it already looks like runaway leaders Liverpool are going to go on and win the title this season. However, sizeable leads have been lost in the past. As the Reds know.
Their blockbuster Premier League victory against faltering champions Manchester City further proved just how easily they’ve transitioned from Jurgen Klopp to Arne Slot.
The Dutchman led the Merseysiders to a fine 2-0 win against the Cityzens at Anfield on Sunday. Cody Gakpo tapped in at the back post after 12 minutes.
Stand-in City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega committed a needless foul in the box in the 78th minute. Mo Salah – who missed against Real Madrid – coolly dispatched to ensure all three points.
With a third of the campaign gone, it really does feel like it’s Liverpool’s title to lose. No side has fluffed it up with a nine-point lead after 13 games.
Ahead of the match, the best football betting sites in the UK price Slot’s side as the 17/20 favourites. The draw is available at 3/1 with Newcastle 7/2.
Newcastle vs Liverpool Team News
The major concern lingering over Newcastle this week was whether star striker Alexander Isak would be fit enough to start. The super Swede suffered a hip injury against Crystal Palace and had to be replaced, but returns to the starting XI in time for tonight’s clash.
Callum Wilson – who hasn’t featured all season – was ready to fill the potential void, and features on Eddie Howe’s bench. Dan Burn will keep his place in defence after coming through a recent ankle problem against Palace unscathed.
Meanwhile, Liverpool‘s main concerns come in defence. Ibrahima Konate, Conor Bradley and Kostas Tsimikas are all ruled out. So to is goalkeeper Alisson.
Joe Gomez slotted in with ease alongside the masterful Virgil van Dijk on Sunday and will do so again at St James’ Park tonight.
Curtis Jones is expected to start after being benched against City on the weekend. Darwin Nunez is also playing from the off with Luis Diaz on the bench.
Next up…
The Reds are on the road to take on Newcastle United at St James' Park 🏟️🔴 pic.twitter.com/1cJia0wkBa
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 3, 2024
Newcastle vs Liverpool Confirmed Line-Ups
Newcastle (4-3-3): Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Joelinton, Tonali, Guimaraes (c); Gordon, Isak, Murphy
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Gomez, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Jones, Gakpo; Nunez
Newcastle vs Liverpool Prediction
The Liverpool juggernaut is expected to continue steamrolling all opposition laid out in front of them. However, Newcastle will provide a very stern test tonight.
Although recent form strongly favours the Reds, the Magpies do have the arsenal in their ranks to cause a minor upset. Buoyed on by a passionate home support, we are going to bravely sit on the fence and call a score-draw.
The Merseysiders continued overzealous exertions will likely catch up with them somewhat tonight. Admittedly it’s a brave call from our side, but they can’t keep on winning – can they?
Prediction: Newcastle 2-2 Liverpool
