Liverpool are set to face off against Newcastle on New Year’s Day, a match that could potentially deepen the latter's growing crisis. As sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts look forward to this encounter, it promises to be an exciting start to 2024.
The Reds have been enjoying a purple patch of form lately and are hoping to continue their winning streak into the new year. Under Jurgen Klopp’s leadership, they have lost just one Premier League match this season and currently sit at the top of the table. A win at Anfield would put Liverpool on 45 points - a very respectable number at this point in the season.
On the other hand, Newcastle has been experiencing some difficulties since the start of the season. Currently sitting in 9th place, they have lost four out of their last five Premier League games. This is quite a fall from grace for them considering that last season saw them qualify for Champions League for the first time in their history.
Despite these challenges, The Magpies will be looking to redeem themselves and find some form once again as their next few games are far from easy. Adding fuel to fire are rumours surrounding Howe’s future with Newcastle. Speculations suggest that if he loses his next few games, his position may become uncertain.
As we head into 2024 with this highly anticipated match between Liverpool and Newcastle on New Year’s Day, both teams will be under pressure - albeit for different reasons. While Liverpool aims to maintain its winning streak and stay atop in league standings; Newcastle will strive hard not only for redemption but also possibly saving their coach's job.
Liverpool vs Newcastle United Team News
Liverpool continues to grapple with a series of injuries that have left key players sidelined. Joel Matip, Thiago Alcantara, Alexis Mac Allister, Kostas Tsimikas and Andy Robertson are all currently unavailable due to various health concerns.
Liverpool possible starting lineup: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Konate, Gomez, Endo, Szoboszlai, Jones, Salah, Jota, Nunez
In light of these absences, Joe Gomez has been stepping up as a makeshift left-back. He filled in admirably during Liverpool's recent game against Burnley and is expected to continue in this role for the foreseeable future.
This situation presents both challenges and opportunities for Liverpool players. While Gomez is not a natural left-back, his adaptability has proven invaluable during this injury crisis. However, his performance against Newcastle will be closely watched by fans and critics alike.
On the other side of the pitch, things are looking slightly more optimistic for Newcastle United as their injury crisis begins to ease somewhat. Sven Botman and Joelinton have recently become available again after overcoming their respective injuries - a welcome boost for a team that has been struggling with player availability issues.
Newcastle United possible starting lineup: Dubravka, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn, Miley, Guimaraes, Joelinton, Almiron, Gordon, Isak
However, despite these positive developments on the injury front, Newcastle remains without several key players including Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes Jacob Murphy (mentioned twice), Elliot Anderson and Nick Pope due to ongoing health issues or recovery from previous injuries.
Liverpool vs Newcastle United Prediction
Newcastle has been struggling with their away games recently. Their performance has been less than stellar, which must be making Liverpool quite eager for the upcoming match. The team's energy levels seem to be dwindling as they've been running on empty lately.
However, there is a silver lining for Newcastle - a five-day break between their previous game against Nottingham and this one against Liverpool. This hiatus could provide them with much-needed rest and recovery time to regroup and strategize for the impending battle.
Despite the potential resurgence of Newcastle post-break, it is challenging not to favor Liverpool in this matchup. After Arsenal's surprising defeat at home by West Ham, the Reds are more motivated than ever to extend their lead at the top of the table.
Liverpool boasts a fitter team with superior skills that can potentially overpower Newcastle in this face-off. Their players' determination coupled with tactical superiority makes them formidable opponents who will stop at nothing short of victory.
Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle United
Liverpool vs Newcastle United will be broadcast live on TV and online with Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, and Sky Sports Ultra HDR.