Newcastle host Liverpool in an incredibly competitive Premier League fixture with serious ramifications and influence on those all-important European spots.
Newcastle United vs Liverpool English Premier League
Sunday, 27 August
St James’ Park
To Win Match
Newcastle United 11/10 | Draw 14/5 | Liverpool 19/10
Newcastle
If ever there was a reason for the Toon Army to have a deep sense of optimism in Eddie Howe and those Newcastle players, it is now! They are playing brilliant, fearless, and captivating football at the moment. There is seemingly an uncompromising buy-in to their attacking style and belief in their ability, irrespective of who is on the other side of the pitch.
The Magpies will ask very different questions of Liverpool, at the very least, different to anything the Reds have faced thus far. I think this has all the makings of a magical game, but I must admit I was surprised to see the value on the home win.
If Newcastle start aggressively and get St James’ buzzing, I don’t see a way in for Liverpool. They haven’t been the most confident outfit so far this season and had to warm up into both of their two starts this year. If they find themselves needing to catch their breath early on, I think it could be a long evening for those travelling from Merseyside.
Liverpool
Liverpool certainly have the attacking threats to hurt anyone, the only question (which I think have been asked a fair few times already) is which Liverpool teams shows up? They have so many options upfront, on the field and on the bench, and if they get going and ask direct questions of Newcastle’s defensive line, there are certainly areas capable of being exploited.
The midfield area for Liverpool has been a topic of contentious opinion, but also enough comedic value! The debacle with Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia probably left a bitter taste in some mouths, but Wataru Endo from Stuttgart looks to be the real deal.
Jurgen Klopp will know that giving Newcastle space and time in the middle of the park is problematic but that won’t be enough to change his aggressive approach forward.
Predicted Line-ups:
Newcastle: Pope, Burn, Botman, Schar, Tripppier, Joelinton, Guimares, Tonali, Gordon, Isak, Almiron.
Liverpool: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dyk, Robertson, MacAllister, Jones, Szoboszlai, Salah, Nunez, Gakpo.
Verdict: Newcastle (11/10)
Admittedly, nothing brings greater joy than being able to tip Liverpool losing! However, with that being said, I cannot in good faith, say anything else. At the end of the day, it comes down to a simple equation: I can’t see Liverpool keep a clean sheet here and I think the balance in Newcastle’s side is finely tuned at the moment.
You couple that with 11/10 available on the home win and I am sold!
