Newcastle vs Liverpool Preview

• Draw or Liverpool win
• Nunez to score

Newcastle United host Liverpool at St. James’ Park in what promises to be an intense Premier League clash. Both teams are at crucial junctures in their campaigns, with Newcastle aiming to recover their form and Liverpool looking to extend their dominance at the top of the table.

Newcastle United: Searching for Confidence

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle have hit a stumbling block after a strong start to November. A 2-0 home loss to West Ham United and a heartbreaking 94th-minute equaliser conceded at Crystal Palace have left the Magpies winless in their last two league matches.

Howe admitted his side “look a little bit low on confidence,” a sentiment that will be tested against a rampant Liverpool.

Despite their recent struggles, Newcastle remain formidable at St. James’ Park, where they have lost just two of their last 17 Premier League matches (W9, D6).

That record includes impressive wins over Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur, and a draw against Manchester City. However, their dismal record against Liverpool—no wins in their last 15 H2Hs (D4, L11)—looms large over this fixture.

Anthony Gordon could be a key player for Newcastle. The Liverpudlian winger has a knack for scoring at home, with 10 of his last 13 Premier League goals coming at St. James’ Park. He was also on target in this fixture last season, adding to his motivation for this clash.

Liverpool: Flying High Under Arne Slot

Liverpool come into this match as the Premier League’s form team, riding high after back-to-back 2-0 wins over European champions Real Madrid and Premier League champions Manchester City.

Arne Slot’s side has won 18 of their 20 matches this season (D1, L1), including 11 league victories, opening up a nine-point lead at the top after matchday 13.

Key to Liverpool’s success has been their defensive solidity, with just eight goals conceded in the league—the best record in the division. However, cracks have appeared in recent away games, with the Reds conceding twice in each of their last three trips.

Darwin Núñez could again play a pivotal role at St. James’ Park. The Uruguayan striker scored a brace off the bench to secure victory in last season’s corresponding fixture and will look to continue his run of scoring in three consecutive visits to Newcastle.

Key Battles

Anthony Gordon vs Liverpool’s Defence

Gordon’s pace and creativity will test Liverpool’s full-backs, particularly Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has shown defensive vulnerabilities in the past. Gordon’s confidence at St. James’ Park could make him a significant threat.

Darwin Núñez vs Newcastle’s Centre-Backs

Núñez’s physicality and movement make him a handful for any defense. Newcastle’s center-backs, likely Sven Botman and Fabian Schär, will need to stay tight and organized to prevent Núñez from finding space.

Midfield Control: Bruno Guimarães vs Alexis Mac Allister

The midfield battle will be crucial, with Guimarães tasked with dictating play for Newcastle and Mac Allister looking to disrupt his rhythm while initiating Liverpool’s attacks.

Tactical Analysis

Newcastle are likely to adopt an aggressive pressing game to unsettle Liverpool’s buildup, relying on the energy of players like Gordon and Miguel Almirón to force mistakes.

Howe will also look to exploit Liverpool’s recent defensive lapses on the road with quick transitions and set-piece opportunities.

Liverpool, on the other hand, will aim to control possession and dictate the tempo. Slot’s side will focus on stretching Newcastle’s defense through wide play and using Núñez’s movement to create spaces in the box.

Defensively, they will need to remain compact and guard against Newcastle’s counter attacking threat.

Prediction: Newcastle United 1-2 Liverpool

While Newcastle’s strong home form and ability to raise their game against top sides could keep this contest close, Liverpool’s overall quality and confidence give them the edge.

Expect Anthony Gordon to make an impact for Newcastle, but Darwin Núñez and Liverpool’s attacking depth should be enough to secure a narrow victory for the league leaders.

This result would underline Liverpool’s dominance this season while leaving Newcastle searching for answers to their inconsistent form.

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Newcastle v Liverpool, 2024/25 | Premier League