A compelling clash awaits when Newcastle travels to Anfield for a sequel to one of the most incredible matches of this Premier League season.
Second-placed Liverpool welcome top-four hopefuls Newcastle United in what will surely be an exciting game on the first day of 2024. The Reds have a 14-game unbeaten run against Newcastle but they will be wary of their opponents who have run them close recently.
The reverse fixture saw Jurgen Klopp’s side struggle to cope with United’s intensity as Anthony Gordon gave them a first-half lead on Matchday three of the Premier League season. Virgil van Dijk was sent off moments later, but Darwin Nunez stunned the home crowd with a late brace to win.
The Merseysiders have often triumphed on strength of character this term, which is a priceless quality as they look to gate-crash the title race.
An opening draw against Chelsea pointed little in the way of a direction but Liverpool won all of their next five league games. The eventual defeat to Tottenham Hotspur was a vindication of their resilience as poor officiating cost them points despite having two players sent off.
While they beat Everton, Nottingham Forest and Brentford draws against Brighton, Luton Town and Manchester City have highlighted the teething issues they have defensively.
They have nevertheless started December with back-to-back wins and currently sit two points behind high-flying Arsenal as they look to end 2023 on a high. The visit of Eddie Howe’s side then presents a stern test of their credentials for the second half of the season.
Newcastle themselves have been in a positive run of form having lost just one of their last 10 top-flight matches amid an injury crisis. Credit must go to the players and backroom staff for how they have coped with the step-up in demand for results this season.
After achieving a return to the UEFA Champions League, Eddie Howe is having to manage lofty expectations which they kicked off with a sensational 5-1 win against Aston Villa.
Successive defeats to Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton subdued the mood a little bit but they have been magnificent ever since. Alternatively, the Magpies have competed admirably against tough opposition in their UCL ‘Group of Death’.
Impressive performances at AC Milan and over both matches against Paris Saint-Germain have filled them with confidence and trust in the process under this technical staff. Therefore, the visit to Merseyside is a winnable game for Newcastle.
Regardless of the Reds’ imperious record on home soil, a win would increase that belief after coming so close to ending their eight-year wait for a win against Liverpool.
The fitness of key players would be paramount going into this fixture as Howe looks to recover some of his fallen men.
Match tickets
This New Year’s Day fixture is scheduled to kick off at 8 PM UK time and many eyes will be fixed on the action on Merseyside. Tickets for the game have already been on sale on each club’s website so you can head down there for enquiries.
Considering the quality of the visitors and what is at stake for their title-chasing team, the Liverpool fans will be up for this game as usual and the festive atmosphere only cranks up the mood. Anfield will be sold out, so getting match tickets could prove difficult.
Supporters who want to purchase Liverpool vs Newcastle tickets may be lucky enough to do so on a ticket resale site.
Team news
Joel Matip has ruptured the Anterior Cruciate Ligament in his knee and will be out for the rest of the season, unfortunately. He joins the likes of Andy Robertson, Stefan Bajcetic, Thiago Alcantara, Alisson Becker and Diogo Jota on the sidelines for Liverpool. It remains to be seen whether any of the latter could return before the Newcastle match.
For the Geordies, Nick Pope is the latest player to add to their lengthy injury list following his shoulder dislocation against Manchester United. Matt Targett and Jacob Murphy are among those who will also be out until early 2024 after undergoing surgery.
Sven Botman has returned to light training after more than two months out with a knee injury while Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock are understood to be close to returning. They are all possibilities to feature against Liverpool. Callum Wilson, Harvey Barnes, Elliot Anderson, Javier Manquillo and Dan Burn are also out with Sandro Tonali currently one month into a 10-month betting ban.
Line-ups
That Liverpool are starting 2024 within title contention is thanks in no small part to the tactical tweak that saw Trent Alexander-Arnold move infield. The move has protected the Englishman’s defensive frailties while maximizing his creative abilities.
Liverpool have attained some form of balance in their setup, but the midfield combination would be key against Newcastle’s often physically imposing trio.
Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Gakpo, Diaz
In recent weeks, fitness issues have hamstrung the Newcastle manager, so he has mostly had to play the same 11. Nevertheless, their strength is in the continuity of performances and their matchday squad the Liverpool match should have a few returning faces.
Anthony Gordon will have a massive responsibility on the left flank as he looks to create chances for his team. He was a livewire in the reverse fixture and must punish Liverpool’s soft right channel again.
Newcastle: Dubravka; Trippier, Schar, Lascelles, Livramento; Willock, Joelinton, Guimaraes; Almiron, Isak, Gordon
Prediction
Liverpool are the comeback kings of Europe this season, so they can adapt to any in-game situation that Newcastle throw at them. Hence, they will be keen to assert their home advantage and score some early goals to set the tone for the game.
This game sees two well-drilled teams going at each other and there will surely be goals. The Anfield effect, combined with Liverpool’s superior form, could just be enough for them to see out a significant victory.
Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle
