With 11 games still to play, Liverpool’s Premier League title charge continues as they host Newcastle United at Anfield on Wednesday night.
The Reds’ 2-0 victory over Manchester City on Sunday extended their lead at the top to 11 points, but Arne Slot’s side know there’s no room for complacency. Meanwhile, Newcastle arrive fresh off a thrilling 4-3 win over Nottingham Forest, aiming to boost their own top-four hopes.
Liverpool vs Newcastle United: Match Preview
Liverpool’s dominant performance at the Etihad showcased their title-winning mentality. Goals from Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai sealed a vital win, further solidifying their position at the summit. With Arsenal faltering against West Ham, the Reds took full advantage, delivering a professional display that epitomized their championship credentials.
Arne Slot’s side remain unbeaten on the road this season and have been equally formidable at Anfield. Since their shock loss to Nottingham Forest in September, Liverpool have gone 17 home games unbeaten, scoring at least two goals in each. Their recent 2-1 win over Wolves marked their fifth consecutive victory at Anfield, and their midweek record is equally impressive, with 12 straight wins in Premier League games played between Tuesday and Thursday.
Newcastle, meanwhile, are fighting to stay in the top-four race. Alexander Isak’s 19th league goal of the season helped them edge past Forest in a seven-goal thriller, but defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern. The Magpies have conceded nine goals in their last three games and are without a clean sheet in five.
Eddie Howe’s side have struggled against Liverpool historically, failing to win any of their last 16 Premier League meetings. Their last victory at Anfield came in 1994, and while December’s 3-3 draw felt like a moral victory after Fabian Schar’s late equalizer, overcoming the Reds at their fortress remains a daunting task.
Team News
Liverpool have almost a full squad available for Wednesday’s game. Cody Gakpo is fit and could return to the starting lineup after being used as a substitute in the 2-0 win over Manchester City.
Alexis Mac Allister is expected to play despite suffering facial bruising against City. He trained on Tuesday and is set to feature. However, Conor Bradley (hamstring), Joe Gomez (hamstring), and Tyler Morton (shoulder) remain sidelined.
Arne Slot hinted that he won’t make many changes, saying, “I am not so sure if it is difficult because these players are trained for this and are used to this. They are able to play five games in a row at the highest possible level.” He also confirmed Mac Allister’s availability, stating, “Yes, I think he will [be available]. He will train with us today.”
Newcastle also have a mostly fit squad. Sandro Tonali is expected to be fully fit after overcoming a hamstring issue that limited him to a substitute appearance against Nottingham Forest. Sven Botman (knee) is improving and could make the trip to Anfield, though his availability remains uncertain.
Joelinton (knee) is also close to returning but is unlikely to feature on Wednesday. He could be back in time for the EFL Cup final against Liverpool on March 16. Jamaal Lascelles remains a long-term absentee.
Eddie Howe provided updates on his squad, saying, “Sandro came through fine. I anticipate he will be fully fit for Wednesday.” On Botman and Joelinton, he added, “Sven is improving and improving quickly. We will see if he makes the game or not. Joe is really improving, doing really well, pushing again. He is close.”
Key Stats
- Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 28 Premier League home games against Newcastle (23 wins, 5 draws) since a 2-0 loss in April 1994.
- The Reds have won their last 12 midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) home games in the Premier League, scoring 35 goals and conceding just 6.
- Only one of the last 77 league meetings between the two sides has ended goalless (December 2020 at St. James’ Park).
- Liverpool’s next goal will be their 100th of the season in all competitions.
- Alexander Isak has scored 10 away Premier League goals this season. Only Andrew Cole (12 in 1993-94) and Alan Shearer (11 in 2001-02) have scored more in a single campaign for Newcastle.
- Anthony Gordon has either scored (2) or assisted (1) in each of his last 3 Premier League appearances against Liverpool.
- Newcastle have dropped just 7 points from winning positions this season, the joint-second-best record in the league.
- They have failed to score in only 1 of their last 19 games in all competitions.
- The teams have met twice before on February 26, with Newcastle winning both (1-0 in 1913 and 2-1 in 1927).
- Trent Alexander-Arnold has been involved in more Premier League goals against Newcastle than any other opponent (7 – 1 goal, 6 assists).
- Salah has scored 4 goals in his last 2 Premier League games against Newcastle (2 braces).
- He needs 1 more home goal to reach 10+ home and 10+ away goals in a Premier League season for the third time (after 2017-18 and 2021-22).
- Salah has either scored (3) or assisted (2) each of Liverpool’s last 5 league goals against Newcastle.
- Liverpool have gone 1-0 down in 6 of their last 11 Premier League games against Newcastle but avoided defeat in all (5 wins, 1 draw).
- The Reds have scored at least twice in each of their last 17 home games in all competitions. The last English top-flight side with a longer run was Sunderland (19 games in 1935).
- Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 16 Premier League meetings with Newcastle (11 wins, 5 draws) since a 2-0 loss in December 2015.
- The Reds have scored 122 Premier League goals against Newcastle, their most against any opponent
With Mohamed Salah in top form and the Reds unbeaten at home since September, Liverpool are strong favorites heading into this clash. Newcastle, despite their defensive struggles, will rely on Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon to challenge Liverpool’s dominance.
This encounter promises to be another classic, with both teams aiming to strengthen their respective goals in the Premier League
