Prediction: Newcastle United vs Liverpool

Verdict: Liverpool win

Bet Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Bet365

The Premier League is back for another weekend of action with some massive battles at both the top and the bottom of the table. Both Newcastle and Liverpool have been in fairly good form this season, meaning the game should be a very entertaining one.

Newcastle United

Newcastle’s return to the Premier League was the culmination of an outstanding Championship campaign, but their summer transfer policy was not ideal meaning they were earmarked as candidates to go straight back down. However, they have so far taken nine points from their opening six games, which sees them sitting five points above the relegation zone. Last time out though, they suffered a disappointing defeat at the hands of Brighton which will have irked manager Rafael Benitez massively, which, linked with their previous defeat to Huddersfield, means they have picked up no points from two games against their fellow promoted sides. They have though been taking points from sides with far more recent Premier League experience, beating Swansea, Stoke and West Ham. Six of Newcastle’s nine points have come at home too, meaning there is some optimism around St James’ Park.

Team News

Paul Dummett remains on the sidelines with a hamstring injury meaning manager Rafael Benitez has an almost full-squad to choose from.

Liverpool

Liverpool are as inconsistent as ever right now. One moment, they are tearing teams apart and scoring wonderful goals, the next they are squandering all of their chances and falling to disappointing results. While it is clear that Jurgen Klopp’s side can create, they have shown their profligacy in front of goal, while their underlying defensive frailties still haunt them. The Reds followed up a pulsating 3-2 win over Leicester City in the Premier League last weekned with a wasteful Champions League display against Spartak Moscow in which they drew 1-1. With pressure mounting on Klopp, a trip to Newcastle constitutes a tricky game that they are expected to win, but St James’ Park will not be an easy place to triumph at, especially with Newcastle and their fans up for the game. Should the Magpies score an early goal then it could be a very long afternoon for the Reds.

Team News

Liverpool have no fresh injury concerns, although the long-term injuries to Adam Lallana, Nathaniel Clyne and Adam Bogdan see the trio miss out on yet another game.

Key Factors to Consider

Liverpool have netted 12 goals in six games this season.

Newcastle have conceded just five goals in six games, the same as Chelsea and Tottenham.

In the last three games between the sides, both have won one game 2-0, with the other game ending in a 2-2 draw.

Mohamed Salah has been enjoying a very strong return to the Premier League (Four goals and one assist) making him the danger man.

Newcastle have failed to score in three of their last six Premier League games.

Conclusion

While Newcastle are a tough proposition to beat at home, Liverpool will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing draw in the week and will go all guns blazing. With the likes of Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino likely to feature, Newcastle’s defence will face an incredibly tough 90 minutes that better teams have crumbled against, meaning we are backing an away win.

Verdict: Liverpool win

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Bet365