Liverpool closing in on title, but Newcastle threat looms at Anfield | OneFootball

Liverpool are closing in on the Premier League title, but they cannot afford to let their guard down against a Newcastle United side capable of causing problems tonight.

Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City sent a clear message to the chasing pack. Arsenal’s latest slip-up widened the gap, and Liverpool took full advantage.

Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai delivered the decisive blows, but the real triumph was in Liverpool’s control.

City were missing Erling Braut Haaland, but the Reds barely let them breathe.

Arne Slot’s side now sit 11 points clear, and the manner of their win at the Etihad had all the hallmarks of champions.

While their away form has been imperious, Anfield remains an unbreachable fortress.

Since September’s shock defeat to Nottingham Forest, Liverpool have gone 17 home matches unbeaten, scoring at least twice in each of them.

Wolverhampton Wanderers were the latest to fall, with a 2-1 defeat marking Liverpool’s fifth straight home victory.

Midweek matches have also suited the Reds, who have won their last 12 Premier League games played between Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Despite their dominance, Slot is not allowing complacency to creep in. “The players know how difficult every single game is,” he said. “It’s still a long way to go.”

Newcastle will not roll over. They edged a 4-3 thriller against Forest on Sunday, with Alexander Isak stealing the show.

The Swedish striker has been in devastating form, taking his Premier League tally to 19 goals. With Darwin Nunez struggling for consistency, Liverpool might be looking on with a hint of envy.

Newcastle’s defensive issues remain a concern. They have shipped nine goals in their last three league outings and have not kept a clean sheet in their last five.

Despite this, Eddie Howe’s side are more than capable of making life uncomfortable for Liverpool, as they showed in December’s 3-3 draw at St James’ Park.

Slot is under no illusions about the threat Newcastle pose. “It’s an understatement to say Isak is in fine form,” he added. “We will need to control him, but it’s not just him – they have so much offensive threat.”

History is firmly on Liverpool’s side. Newcastle have not won at Anfield in the Premier League since 1994.

Another victory would take Liverpool one step closer to the title. They know the job is not done yet, but they look unstoppable.