Liverpool Search League Reset as Newcastle Go to Anfield
The Premier League’s race for Europe sharpens on Saturday night as Liverpool welcome Newcastle to Anfield, a fixture heavy with consequence for 2 sides navigating momentum, accidents and expectation. For Liverpool, that is about restoring home traction. For Newcastle, it’s about sustaining perception after a demanding continental week.
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Arne Slot’s Liverpool arrive bruised by a stoppage time defeat at Bournemouth that loosened their grip on the highest 5, permitting Manchester United and Chelsea to edge forward. The setback prolonged a irritating league sequence. Liverpool haven’t gained a Premier League match because the flip of the 12 months, drawing 4 and shedding one, a run that sits awkwardly alongside much more convincing shows elsewhere.
There was fluency in different competitions. Barnsley had been swept apart within the FA Cup, Marseille had been crushed 3-0 within the Champions League, and Qarabag had been dismantled 6-0 at Anfield in midweek. That outcome secured third place within the Champions League desk and automated qualification for the knockout rounds, a reminder that Liverpool’s ceiling stays excessive even when league consistency has wavered.
Newcastle arrive with their very own European story nonetheless unfolding. Eddie Howe’s aspect earned a 1-1 draw away to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night time, holding the holders on the Parc des Princes to achieve the play off spherical of Europe’s premier competitors. It was a efficiency constructed on resilience and organisation, qualities that can once more be required at Anfield.
Saturday’s contest sits on the intersection of home want and continental ambition. A win would regular Liverpool’s league place and ease strain on Slot, whereas Newcastle see a possibility to bolster their European push and underline progress revamped current seasons.
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Slot Managing Defensive Disaster
Liverpool’s preparation has been formed by a defensive harm disaster. Slot was compelled to deploy Ryan Gravenberch at centre again in opposition to Qarabag, with Virgil van Dijk the one out there senior possibility. Joe Gomez stays sidelined, whereas Ibrahima Konate was unavailable following the passing of his father.
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Konate will return for this fixture, a major increase, as will Curtis Jones after sickness dominated him out in midweek. There may be much less encouraging information at full again. Jeremie Frimpong has been dominated out for “weeks” after limping off inside 5 minutes in opposition to Qarabag, becoming a member of Conor Bradley on the remedy desk, together with former Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.
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Newcastle Damage Toll Mounts
Newcastle’s personal checklist of absentees continues to develop. Captain Bruno Guimaraes was not risked in opposition to PSG and Howe will hope to have him again right here. Joelinton is dealing with “weeks” out with a groin harm, whereas Tino Livramento’s hamstring difficulty will preserve him sidelined for round eight weeks.
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These absences take a look at Newcastle’s depth, but Howe has constructed a squad accustomed to adapting. Their method stays daring, urgent excessive and committing numbers ahead, even when personnel change.
Prediction and Historic Edge
Each side are depleted, however their willingness to play on the entrance foot ought to produce an open contest. There might be no Alexander Isak involvement for Liverpool, eradicating the sting of a hostile reunion, however not the competitiveness.
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With European confidence behind them and Anfield providing familiarity, Liverpool ought to have sufficient to edge this, regardless of their league considerations.
Prediction: Liverpool to win, 2-1
Face to face historical past and outcomes
Liverpool wins: 95
Newcastle wins: 51
Attracts: 46