Prediction: Newcastle vs Liverpool

Verdict: Liverpool win

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Looking to widen their buffer at the top of the Premier League table, Liverpool will travel to St. James’ Park on Wednesday night when they meet Newcastle.

Newcastle

Starting with the hosts, suffering last-gasp heartbreak away at Crystal Palace over the weekend as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate in south London, Newcastle do have the feel of a squad seeking a recent boost. Marking their return from November’s international break with a worrying performance at St. James’ Park as they fell to a shock 2-0 loss at the hands of West Ham, it has been suggested that Eddie Howe finds some mounting pressure on his shoulders. Appearing to have a real battle on their hands in the race to book a European return this season, the Magpies should be bracing themselves for what will be a heavyweight challenge on Wednesday night. Falling to an action-packed 4-2 defeat when they last met Liverpool back on New Year’s Day, they do hold a nightmare record against the leading title contenders. In fact, Newcastle have lost each of their last six consecutive meetings across all competitions.

Team News

Forced to be withdrawn in the first-half at Selhurst Park over the weekend, Newcastle are sweating over the fitness of striking talisman Alexander Isak on Wednesday night. Likewise, yet to make a single appearance so far this season, Dutch international Sven Botman remains on the sidelines with a long-term knee injury.

Returning from a knock last week and making a couple of cameo appearances off the bench, former Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson could be handed a first Premier League start of the season. After serving a one-match suspension against West Ham last week, ex-Brighton star Dan Burn will keep his spot at the heart of Howe’s defence.

Liverpool

As for the visitors, laying down another heavyweight marker over the weekend as they clinched a 2-0 victory at home against Manchester City, Liverpool are enjoying quite the fairytale. Embarking on what has become a sensational rise since Arne Slot’s arrival over the summer, fans around Anfield find their squad holding a remarkable nine-point buffer over the chasing pack. Suffering just a single defeat from any of their first 20 appearances across all competitions so far this season, the former Feyenoord boss has seen his squad gain a string of plaudits from across the globe. Extending on their 100% Champions League romp earlier in the week as they claimed another 2-0 win against defending European champions Real Madrid, Wednesday’s guests will be relishing a trip to St. James’ Park here. Marking their return from November’s international break with an action-packed 3-2 victory away at Southampton, it should also be noted that Liverpool have collected 25 points from their opening nine showdowns away from Anfield.

Team News

Liverpool have already confirmed that French international Ibrahima Konate faces a stint on the sidelines with a knee injury. Likewise, while Brazilian shot-stopper Alisson might be inching towards a first Premier League appearance since the start of October, the 32-year-old is not expected to feature at St. James’ Park.

Converting from the penalty spot over the weekend and already notching 11 Premier League goals so far this season, Mohamed Salah will be looking to extend on his domestic romp. Returning from a minor hamstring injury at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, England international Trent Alexander-Arnold will be hoping to keep his spot at right-back.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Newcastle and Liverpool last met back on New Year’s Day, the Reds collected a 4-2 victory at Anfield.
• In fact, Liverpool have won each of their previous six consecutive meetings against Wednesday’s hosts.
• Liverpool have won each of their last three Premier League trips to St. James’ Park by an aggregate score of 5-1.
• Slot’s side have also collected 16 points from just their last six Premier League trips to St. James’ Park.
• Three of the last four meetings between Newcastle and Liverpool have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

Laying down another major statement over the weekend as they clinched a 2-0 victory against Manchester City, Liverpool are in the midst of a remarkable flurry. Currently holding a nine-point buffer at the top of the table and riding a famous wave of momentum, Slot’s men will be relishing a trip to St. James’ Park on Wednesday night. Collecting 25 points from their first nine away fixtures across all competitions, the Reds will also be excited by a dominant record Newcastle. Winning each of their last six straight Premier League showdowns, they have also won their previous three trips to St. James’ Park by an aggregate score of 5-1.

Verdict: Liverpool win

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Olympusbet