Liverpool will be looking to catch up with Premier League leaders Manchester City, when the Reds take on Newcastle at home to Anfield on Thursday.
Pressure is on to confront Manchester City’s midweek results after The Citizens beat Leeds 7-0 to claim their seventh straight league win. Liverpool (2nd, 37th) are just four points behind and are on a five-game winning streak in the Premier League since their shock loss in November to West Ham, the Reds’ only defeat of the season so far.
At the other end of the table, Eddie Howe may have just four games left in his tenure as Newcastle manager, but there is a real sense of urgency. The sense of rejuvenation waned a bit in last weekend’s 4-0 defeat at the hands of Leicester City that brought everyone on Tyneside back to Earth. However, The Magpies (19, 10) have picked up four points from four games under Howe, a remarkable number considering the club are on six points – all from draws – in 12 games. before he was hired.
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The former Bournemouth boss is not backing down from a title contender. “It’s a great opportunity to face the best people in the country and see where we are and how we can impose ourselves on them,” Howe said at his pre-match press conference. “We needed the focus, the game management, the structure, the Organization play set up. The top teams find different ways to win. We have to give them a threat, a challenge, and we have the players and the way of playing to do that. “
How to watch Liverpool vs Newcastle
- Day: Thursday, December 16
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Channel: -nobody-
- Spanish TV: -nobody-
- Streaming online: Peacock (registration required)
The Liverpool vs Newcastle match is only available on NBC’s streaming platform, Peacock, with no television coverage in the United States.
The Peacock Premium subscription costs users $4.99 a month and it comes with a Full schedule of exclusive Premier League matches.
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Liverpool vs Newcastle line-up
A clean bill of health is often required for a serious title challenge, and that’s what Liverpool owns. Only Nat Phillips, Curtis Jones, and Harvey Elliott confirmed with trauma struggles. Divock Origi and Roberto Firmino missed the time lag, but both are back in training and could be available for pick, albeit as a sub.
Any other changes may be due to roster rotations or matches, with Naby Keita, Constantine Tsimikas, and Joe Gomez All can boost playtime, along with Diogo Jota. Their inclusion can be seen Thiago, Joel Matip, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Drop off benches to manage loads ahead of a busy festive time.
Mohamed Salah has played every minute of this season, and it will be interesting to see if manager Jurgen Klopp decides to give him a bit of a break during the busy month, especially considering Salah is likely to miss out. a substantial portion of the season for the Africa Cup of Nations. coming in January.
Expected Liverpool lineup (4-3-3, left to right): Alisson – Robertson, Van Dijk, Matip, Alexander-Arnold – Fabinho, Henderson, Keita – Mane, Jota, Salah
Newcastle are having a similar advantage in terms of squad health, having survived the Leicester City loss without any new concerns. Those leaves Paul Dummett is the only injured Magpie, yet to feature this season due to a long-term calf injury.
In fact, Newcastle will receive Ciaran Clark back from his two-match suspension, can be seen Miguel Almiron or Joelinton Sacrifices to restore the five-man defense that Howe used earlier in the season. However, there’s a chance that Clark could go straight in to be the captain Jamal Lascelles who has been struggling of late.
If Howe chooses to return to the ranks of five, that could be seen Matt Ritchie get another look, will see Jamal Lewis fell on the bench.
Newcastle’s expected starting lineup (3-4-3, left to right): Dubravka – Clark, Lascelles, Schar – Ritchie, Willock, Shelvey, Manquillo – Saint-Maximin, Wilson, Joelinton
Predictions and odds Liverpool vs. Newcastle
Odds by DraftKings
The bookies are eyeing a breakout in this game, and understandably so. Liverpool have destroyed almost everyone this season…until recently.
The Red Devils fell to West Ham in early November, and a few weaknesses have surfaced since then. They have come back in great form, scoring four goals past Arsenal, Southampton and Everton each, but they have failed to win 1-0 in their last two games against solid defensive teams like Wolves and Aston Villa.
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Newcastle cannot claim to be a “solid defence” as the Warblers have failed to keep a clean sheet throughout this Premier League season. However, this could be an opportunity for Klopp to rest his tired legs. However, it seems possible to take advantage of odds lovers for Liverpool and jump in some extra odds in favor of Newcastle keeping things tight, while still expecting Liverpool to walk away. with all three points.
Supporting Mohamed Salah also looks ideal, with the Egyptian in spectacular form. Salah has scored or assisted a goal in every Premier League game this season, helping him score since August. His any-time scoring rate is worthless, but the first one looks appealing enough, especially if Klopp once again chooses Oxlade-Chamberlain as a central striker. If Jota returns to the squad, he will also be one to keep an eye on, having scored six goals in his last eight appearances.
Pick: Newcastle +2.5 (-105), Salah scores first (+200)
Guess: Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle
- Cash flow: Liverpool -900 / Draw +950 / Newcastle +2200
- Spread: Liverpool -2.5 (-105) / Newcastle + 2.5 (-105)
- O/U total goals is 3.5: Above -130 / Below +105
- Both teams scored: Yes +110 / No -145
