Newcastle vs Liverpool Match Preview
Vinolin Naidoo takes a look ahead to tomorrow’s game at St. James’ Park against Newcastle. The game takes on some extra significance as the Magpies are now under the charge of former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez.
Match Preview
Liverpool come into this encounter with Newcastle after a disappointing away draw against Spartak Moscow in the Champions League. That result left them on two points from two games and trailing leaders Sevilla by two points. September has been a terrible month for the Reds with only 1 win in 6 games. Liverpool will be desperate to start October with a win, especially with an international break straight after the game. The Magpies come into this encounter after a 1-0 loss to Brighton. That result ended their 3-game winning run in the league.
Last Meeting: Liverpool 2-2 Newcastle (23 April 2016)
Liverpool’s last Premier League game against the Magpies finished in a 2-2 draw at Anfield. Early goals from Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana gave the Reds a 2-0 advantage at the break. However, two second-half goals from Newcastle secured them a point at Anfield.
Sunday’s match takes place at St James Park and Liverpool will be looking to improve their record at the ground. The Reds have only won 4 games in the past 16 years at St James Park. The last win coming all the way back in 2013.
Team and Injury News
Manager Rafa Benitez, will be hoping that his players can bounce back from their defeat last weekend. Unlike the Reds players, his players will be fresh and have not played a midweek fixture. Dwight Gayle will be hoping to continue his scoring run against Liverpool. The Magpies will be without Paul Dummett and Massadio Haidara for this encounter due to injuries. Aleksander Mitrovic is back from suspension for this match.
After the midweek draw in Russia, Jurgen Klopp may be looking to make some changes to his side. Simon Mignolet will be back in goal for this game. Andrew Robertson, Daniel Sturridge and Gini Wijnaldum will also be pushing to start this encounter. Liverpool however, will be without Adam Lallana and Nathaniel Clyne due to injuries.
Predicted Lineup
NEW (4-2-3-1): Elliot, Yedlin, Clark, Lascelles, Mbemba, Merino, Shelvey, Ritchie, Perez, Atsu, Gayle
LFC (4-3-3): Mignolet, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Lovren, Robertson, Henderson, Can, Coutinho, Mane, Salah, Firmino
Prediction
Newcastle 1 – 2 Liverpool – Both teams will be desperate for all three points here. Based on the quality of both sides the Reds should edge this encounter 2-1. Hopefully, a fast start can be made by Liverpool with an early goal to settle the nerves. Goals by Mane and Sturridge will bring home 3 points for the Reds on Sunday.
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