Newcastle vs Liverpool: High-Stakes Clash at St James’ Park

Newcastle United and Liverpool are set to lock horns in a Premier League showdown at St James’ Park, where both teams will look to strengthen their positions in the upper echelons of the table. With injury concerns for key players and contrasting runs of form, this match promises drama and intensity.

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Newcastle United: Searching for Stability

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle side has struggled for consistency, with only two wins in their last nine league matches. Despite their recent stumbles, the Magpies remain a formidable opponent at home, although injuries to key players pose challenges.

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Key Points:

• Alexander Isak’s fitness will be assessed late after a hip issue forced him off against Crystal Palace. His home scoring record of 21 goals in 30 games could be crucial.
• Dan Burn is expected to feature despite an ankle problem, but Jamaal Lascelles, Emil Krafth, and Sven Botman are unavailable.
• Newcastle have lost two of their last three home league matches – as many defeats as in their previous 20 games at St James’ Park.
• Howe has never won in 12 Premier League games against teams sitting at the top of the table and has only beaten Liverpool once in 19 managerial encounters.

The Magpies will need a strong showing from Bruno Guimaraes, who is set to reach 100 Premier League appearances, and other key players to break their poor run against Liverpool.

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Liverpool: Flying High Under Slot

Arne Slot’s Liverpool are enjoying a stellar season, sitting nine points clear at the top of the table after 13 games. The Reds have been ruthless, blending offensive firepower with defensive solidity.

Key Points:

• Federico Chiesa could return to action after recovering from a muscle injury, adding even more firepower to an already potent attack.
• Alisson, Diogo Jota, Konstantinos Tsimikas, and others remain sidelined, but Liverpool’s depth has been on full display this season.
• Liverpool have dominated Newcastle in recent years, winning six straight matches and going unbeaten in their last 15 top-flight meetings.
• Slot’s managerial start is record-breaking, with 34 points from his first 13 games – a tally only equaled once before in Premier League history.

Mohamed Salah has been the Reds’ talisman against Newcastle, contributing to 14 goals in their league meetings, and will once again be the player to watch.

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Head-to-Head: Liverpool’s Domination

Liverpool have consistently had the upper hand in this fixture, including five wins in their last six visits to St James’ Park. The Merseysiders’ 11 comeback victories against Newcastle are the most by one club against another in Premier League history.

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Prediction: Liverpool to Edge It

Given their recent form and dominance in this fixture, Liverpool enter as favorites. However, Newcastle’s ability to perform on big occasions at home should make this a closely fought battle.

Key Stat: Liverpool have won 16 of their last 18 midweek Premier League games, a trend that may continue here. Expect a narrow Liverpool win in a match filled with intensity and tactical duels.

Betting tip: 3 units on Liverpool victory (4 units at Betsson)

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Odds calculator via sports-statistics.com