Wednesday 4 December – 19:30pm
Which Newcastle will turn up?
Newcastle come into the match with boss Eddie Howe under a little bit of pressure. Their performance away at Crystal Palace was less than impressive, returning an xG of 0.02. A defeat last Monday at home to West Ham was unexpected following a string of positive results before the international break. Howe could also be forced into a straight swap in the final third on Wednesday, as star striker Alexander isak was taken off injured in the draw with Palace at the weekend. Isak has been the source of all things good for Newcastle recently and this could be a big blow to the team.
Howe was however able to provide a positive update, revealing that the Swede’s problem was a contact injury rather than a muscle strain or tear, but there is every chance that Callum Wilson could now make his first Premier League start of the campaign. Harvey Barnes may also get a start in an effort to liven up a front three that struggled on the weekend. Newcastle did look better at the back with big Dan Burn returning to the team, but facing Liverpool will be a huge step up for a back four lacking pace in the centre and with two inexperienced full backs.
Liverpool: Making winning a habit
Within the last week, Liverpool have comfortably defeated both the European champions Real Madrid and English champions Manchester City at Anfield. That means Liverpool have now won 18, drawn one and lost just one of Arne Slot’s first 20 matches in charge across all competitions as they sit at the top-of-the-table in both the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League with a nine-point lead at the top domestically ahead of this midweek round of fixtures. Liverpool is managing absences in defence, including Ibrahima Konaté and goalkeeper Alisson Becker. Caoimhin Kelleher has stepped in and delivered in goal for Liverpool and with the likes of Mo Salah and Ryan Gravenberch in fine form, expect Liverpool to continue this habit of winning.
Prediction
Newcastle have struggled for attacking cohesion and intensity throughout this season with their usual fast starts limited to their 1-0 defeat of Arsenal thanks to an early Alexander Isak header last month. Liverpool should control the situation and seemingly have enough in the tank to defeat anyone by a couple of goals at the moment so whilst the atmosphere and intensity at St James’ might be lifted, the Reds should ease their way to victory comfortably.