Verdict: Liverpool to Win to Nil
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: bet365
Liverpool will be looking to remain the only unbeaten side in the Premier League as they prepare to welcome their former manager Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle on Boxing Day.
Liverpool
Christmas came early for the Reds who sit top of the Premier League tree with a four-point cushion ahead of Manchester City. Liverpool are the only unbeaten side in the league and will be looking to remain so when they play host to inconsistent Magpies.
Jurgen Klopp’s men are on a seven-match winning streak in the league but their flying form will be put to a test against the club Reds beat only once in last four encounters. Liverpool’s home record against Newcastle offers plenty of promise, though, knowing that Newcastle managed to avoid defeat on only three occasions since 1995. This year has been pretty remarkable for Reds thus far with Jurgen Klopp’s men crushing several records in the first part of the season. Contrary to previous seasons, Liverpool are currently much more than an attacking side. Their superb defensive record states Reds have conceded just two goals in last 13 home matches in the Premier League. With Virgil van Dijk commanding the defence, Liverpool are a different kind of an animal this year – an animal hungry for glory.
Team News
Liverpool were given a double fitness boost ahead of Newcastle with Naby Keita and Trent Alexander-Arnold both returning to training this week.
Joe Gomez and Joel Matip remain sidelined with injuries, however, together with a long-term absentee Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Newcastle
Rafa Benitez is set for an emotional return to Anfield on Boxing Day. The Spaniard led the club to arguably the best night in their history back in 2005 which forged an unbreakable bond with Liverpool supporters.
Memories are there to be cherished but Rafa Benitez now sits on the other side of the spectre with a side fighting to avoid relegation and will be extremely motivated to stun his former side. The Magpies are heading into the Wednesday’s match sitting in 15th place in the standings, only five points clear of the relegation zone. It’s been a rather difficult season for Newcastle who only won four games in 18 opening rounds. Such a result does not come as a surprise though knowing that club owner Mike Ashley refuses to invest money in a club he’s trying to sell so it’s fair to say Rafa Benitez is tilting at windmills at the moment. With all the tools he’s had at his disposal, Benitez has done a pretty decent job but with a tough run coming up – when Newcastle face five of the top six sides – his managerial skills will once again be put to a test.
Team News
Ki Sung-Yueng left the club to join up with the Korean national team for the Asian Cup, while Ciaran Clark faces a late fitness test after an ankle injury.
Jonjo Shelvey is suffering from a thigh injury whereas Federico Fernandez is expected to be fit following a recent calf problem.
Key Factors to Consider
- Newcastle lost 18 of their last 22 Anfield visits
- Liverpool remain the only unbeaten side in the Premier League
- Reds won their last 7 Premiership fixtures
- Magpies are unbeaten in their last 4 games on the road
- It’s been 32 years since Liverpool last lost a home game at Boxing Day
Conclusion
The Christmas period often acts as a crunch test in the Premier League title race. Eight of nine league leaders on Christmas since 2010 ended up lifting the trophy and it’s been Liverpool who failed to do so in 2014. Plenty of pressure is on Jurgen Klopp but Liverpool seem to be well equipped to deal with any sort of problem thrown their way. A clear-cut win is expected for the hosts here.
Verdict: Liverpool to Win to Nil
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: bet365
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