Newcastle United FC v Liverpool FC – Match preview
Liverpool travel to St. James’ Park this afternoon to take on Premiership strugglers Newcastle United. A win would see Jürgen Klopp’s men extend their away game unbeaten run, having not lost at an opposition ground since the 3-1 defeat to Manchester United in September.
As odd as it may seem going into this game, Liverpool have not experienced the best of times at the home of the Magpies. One win from their last five visits doesn’t exactly breed confidence going into this fixture. However, on current form, one could be forgiven for expecting to have won before a ball is even kicked. Current fortunes for both teams could not be any further apart. Like chalk and cheese, night and day, like losing nine of your last 10 games, compared to winning nine of your last 10 games.
In his pre-match press conference, Klopp said it’s “not allowed” for the team to start the game against Newcastle – or any team for that matter – in the way that they did against Southampton, Chelsea and Crystal Palace. All games in which Liverpool conceded early goals, notwithstanding the fact that they went on to win, with the exception of Palace who have been the only team to defeat his side since his arrival.
In terms of team selection, Philippe Coutinho remains the main doubt according to Physioroom.com. Mamadou Sakho remains out until around new year. In fact, the injury situation has completely changed over the last 10 days with Jordan Henderson, Daniel Sturridge, Jordan Ibe and Roberto Firmino all returning from one injury or another. Ironically, Newcastle head the top of the injury list with 10 players still out.
Nathaniel Clyne should return to the starting line up after being rested in the win over Southampton to join Martin Skrtel, Dejan Lovren and Alberto Moreno in defence. In midfield, Lucas Leiva returns from suspension to replace Emre can… Who serves a one match suspension. The Brazilian could form part of Klopp’s favoured three man midfield alongside James Milner and Jordan Henderson should Klopp feel he is sufficiently fit. Failing that, there may be another start for Joe Allan who had a decent outing during the week. And to be fair, the Welshman, like the entire squad has upped his performance to adapt to the demands of the new regime.
In attack, the only certain starter seems to be Adam Lallana. Will we see him joined by Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi again? Or perhaps a start for Roberto Firmino and Jordan Ibe? Let’s not forget Christian Benteke. A nice problem to have for the manager. Personally, I think Lallana, Firmino and Benteke should see the job done. Origi put in a solid display during the week as did Sturridge, but I’m not sure if Klopp will throw them in again today. They’ll be used as options. One thing is for sure under Klopp, it’s very difficult to guestimate his starting line up.
On current form, one would expect Liverpool to take three points home with relative ease. Having said that, has Liverpool really become that reliable under Klopp? Perhaps. But the question marks still remain over the sturdiness of the defence. They can’t always expect to concede and be able to come back from the deficit. There will be a time their luck runs out and it could be sooner than we think whilst we build our “Liverpool in with a shout of the title…” castles in the sky.
When all is said and done, this is a game that Liverpool should be winning. No question. It won’t be easy this is for sure, but if a team has aspirations of finishing in the top-four of the Premiership, they shouldn’t be losing to the side that’s in the bottom three. No disrespect to Newcastle United and their manager but this is a fundamental fact.
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