Anfield Index
·3 December 2024
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·3 December 2024
Liverpool travel to St James’ Park for a crucial Premier League encounter against Newcastle United on Wednesday evening. With the Reds sitting comfortably at the top of the table, Newcastle will be eager to make a statement in front of their home crowd as they chase a spot in the league’s top half.
Liverpool’s recent form has been nothing short of spectacular. Consecutive 2-0 wins over European giants Real Madrid and domestic rivals Manchester City have solidified their position as league leaders, giving them a commanding nine-point cushion.
Photo Sports Illustrated
Their dominance extends beyond Anfield, with the 2-2 draw at Arsenal marking the only blemish on an otherwise perfect away record this season.
This consistency on the road will be crucial as they face Newcastle, who, despite flashes of brilliance, have struggled for momentum in a turbulent campaign.
Newcastle United’s season has been a tale of ups and downs. While victories against Arsenal and Nottingham Forest hinted at a resurgence, a shock home defeat to West Ham and a draw with Crystal Palace have hampered their progress.
Eddie Howe’s side currently find themselves mid-table, but the race for European qualification remains within reach. A win against Liverpool could catapult the Magpies into the top half, provided other results go their way. However, their inconsistency against lesser sides contrasts starkly with their ability to perform against elite opposition. Newcastle’s victories over Tottenham and Arsenal and a draw against Manchester City underscore their knack for rising to the occasion.
Newcastle face a fitness concern over Alexander Isak, who was substituted early in their recent draw against Crystal Palace due to a contact injury. Eddie Howe remains optimistic about a swift recovery, but Jamal Lascelles, Emil Kraft, and Sven Botman are sidelined with long-term issues.
Photo: IMAGO
Liverpool, meanwhile, will be without Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konate, and Kostas Tsimikas. However, the potential return of Diogo Jota, Alisson Becker, and Federico Chiesa offers Arne Slot plenty of options.
Newcastle have proven capable of troubling the league’s heavyweights, but Liverpool’s imperious form makes them favourites. Mohamed Salah’s sparkling performances and the Reds’ tactical cohesion could prove too much for the Magpies.
Prediction: Liverpool to edge a hard-fought 2-1 victory.
With Newcastle’s resilience and Liverpool’s consistency, this matchup promises an exciting evening of Premier League football.