Liverpool’s hero from over a decade ago, Rafa Benitez, will be back at Anfield this weekend but as a coach of the Newcastle side, that is right in the midst of relegation.
Klopp’s Liverpool have now scored 12 goals in their last three outings at Anfield and will be confident of getting a result from this game but the Magpies showed their mettle in their last game against City on Tuesday and will need to put in a close enough performance to get anything from this game.
The intensity and energy that was shown by the Newcastle side in the previous game will not be easy to match and with Liverpool also selecting a similar approach, the visitors will have to be careful to stay switched on right till the end.
Here is the preview of this game, along with the team news, expected lineups, predictions and betting odds:
The Liverpool vs Newcastle game will be played on Saturday the 23rd of April at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool. The kick-off is scheduled at 3:00 GMT (7:30 pm IST).
Team News:
Liverpool were dealt a cruel blow during the Everton game as in-form forward Divock Origi picked up an injury that will keep him on the sideline for at least another 4 weeks. He will join Emre Can, Jordan Henderson, Joe Gomez, Danny Ings, Martin Skrtel and Jordan Rossiter who might not have any role to play anymore this season. However, Christian Benteke who was out injured for a month is back in training but might not be fit enough for this game.
The ex-Liverpool boss does not have any new injuries to worry about. The likes of Fabricio Coloccini, Daryl Janmaat, Rob Elliot and Mossadio Haidara are all sidelined for some time now and will not be able to make this trip to Anfield. Jonjo Shelvy, an ex-Liverpool player is also out injured while Aleksandar Mitrovic and Georginio Wijnaldum are expected to be back into the starting line-up on the night.
Expected line-ups:
Liverpool:
Mignolet; Flanagan, Toure, Lucas, Smith; Stewart, Allen; Ojo, Lallana, Ibe; Firmino
Newcastle United:
Darlow; Dummett, Mbemba, Lascelles, Anita; Colback, Tiote; Wijnaldum, Sissoko, Townsend; Mitrovic.
Key Battles:
Daniel Sturridge vs Chancel Mbemba
The Liverpool striker has found some superb form off late as he has now picked up two goals in his last two outings. He has reached 50 Liverpool goals in no time and is at the peak of his game at the moment/ Newcastle defender Mbemba has been shaky at the back at times and will have to be at his best otherwise, Sturridge will make them pay all throughout the game.
Moussa Sissoko vs Lucas Leiva:
Lucas looked shaky at the back against Bournemouth last weekend and will be up against another tricky customer in Sissoko on Saturday. The Newcastle playmaker is in good form and had a good night against Manchester City this week. He will hope to give his best to the team and will hope to get the better of Lucas and provide his team with a chance to avoid relegation.
Key Stats:
The teams won 2 matches each from the last 5 meetings in Premier League, with one match ending in a draw.
Liverpool are unbeaten in the last 20 matches against Newcastle United in the English Premier League, with 17 wins and 3 draws. The Reds last lost to Newcastle at home on April 1994.
Liverpool have only lost once in their last nine league matches as Jurgen Klopp begins to shape them into a side in his image.
Only Aston Villa have conceded more goals than Newcastle United this season and this is a huge reason for their league position.
The Magpies have won just three of their last 30 Premier League away matches (W3 D3 L24), losing the last nine in a row.
Newcastle have scored just 11 goals in their last 23 Premier League games away from home.
Divock Origi has scored five goals in his last five games for Liverpool in all competitions.
James Milner has recorded 11 assists in 2016 in all competitions, three more than any other Premier League player.
Betting Odds:
Liverpool: 4/9
Draw: 7/2
Newcastle United: 6/1
Predictions:
Liverpool are now unbeaten this month and have scored more goals than any other Premier League club in 2016. They have shown great form and are likely to take all three points from this game but Benitez has got Newcastle playing some good football and will surely test his former team at Anfield.
Our Predictions: Liverpool 3-2 Newcastle United