Liverpool vs Newcastle LIVE: Premier League result and reaction as Mo Salah fires Reds clear at top of table

Liverpool move three points clear at the top of the Premier League table after triumphing in a brilliantly contest with Newcastle at Anfield.

A first-half of wasted chances for the hosts was epitomised by Mo Salah’s penalty kick. Stepping up after Luis Diaz had been brought down in the box he drilled the shot straight at Martin Dubravka who palmed it away. Two disallowed goals, one at either end, saw the teams head into the break all square as Jurgen Klopp pondered how to get the best out of his team.

The ignition came from Salah. He tapped them in front then supplied a couple of fine passes into the box to set up the goals from Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo. Alexander Isak have briefly equalised for Newcastle and Sven Botman nodded home a consolation but Salah had the last word.

Another chance from the spot saw him send the Newcastle goalkeeper the wrong way and give Liverpool a fourth to send them clear of second placed Aston Villa and start the new year with a win.

Relive all the action from Anfield below, plus get the latest odds and tips right here:

Liverpool vs Newcastle LIVE

• Liverpool defeat Newcastle in the Premier League and extend their lead at the top

• 86’ GOAL! - Salah converts from the penalty spot (LIV 4-2 NEW)

• 81’ GOAL! - Botman nods in a second for Newcastle (LIV 3-2 NEW)

• 78’ GOAL! - Cody Gakpo adds a third as Liverpool dominate (LIV 3-1 NEW)

• 74’ GOAL! - Jones completes a slick move with a simple tap in (LIV 2-1 NEW)

• 54’ GOAL! - Isak equalises for Newcastle (LIV 1-1 NEW)

• 49’ GOAL! - Salah taps in to put the Reds in front (LIV 1-0 NEW)

• 37’ DISALLOWED! - Dan Burn nods home for Newcastle but it gets ruled out (LIV 0-0 NEW)

• 23’ PENALTY SAVE! - Dubravka denies Salah from the spot (LIV 0-0 NEW)

• 18’ DISALLOWED! - Luis Diaz’s goal is ruled out for offside (LIV 0-0 NEW)

Liverpool FC 4 - 2 Newcastle United FC

Liverpool’s depth could be the title race’s deciding factor as substitutes earn victory over Newcastle

22:17 , Mike Jones

If titles are won from the bench, it was a very auspicious night for Jurgen Klopp. As Liverpool established a three-point lead at the Premier League summit, they could thank the men who proved the definition of impact subs and the manager who made the decisive changes. Diogo Jota had dual roles in the goal that put Liverpool ahead and then won the penalty that clinched victory. Cody Gakpo, who had been denied a goal a few minutes after his arrival with a sweet strike, scored an altogether scruffier goal.

As Liverpool and Newcastle, whose meetings contain a famous 4-3, shared an action-packed 4-2, the six goals only formed part of the drama. If it conformed to a theme of Liverpool’s season – they rarely do things the easy way – the strength in depth they demonstrated could prove handy as Mohamed Salah took his leave for the African Cup of Nations in extraordinary fashion.

His was both a mixed night and a triumphant one. He scored twice, taking his tally to 19 goals for the season, registered another assist, had a part in the remaining goal and yet also missed a penalty. That Salah was rampant showed one of his best qualities. It was one Liverpool shared. They were irrepressible, chalking up 34 shots. Persistence eventually paid off: Newcastle were level for 69 of the first 74 minutes, Liverpool belatedly taking and then soon losing a lead but, if a repeat of the Manchester United game – 34 shots and no goals – was threatened, it then became a very different occasion.

Liverpool’s depth could be the deciding factor in title race after win over Newcastle

FT Liverpool 4-2 Newcastle

22:23 , Mike Jones

Liverpool are unbeaten in all 10 Premier League games in which Mohamed Salah did not appear (won seven, drawn three), since he joined the Reds in 2017-18.

FT Liverpool 4-2 Newcastle

22:18 , Mike Jones

Mohamed Salah’s double makes him the joint top scorer in this season’s Premier League, alongside Erling Haaland on 14 goals.

Salah is joint top on assists too, level with Ollie Watkins on eight.

Full-time! Liverpool 4-2 Newcastle

21:58 , Mike Jones

90+7 mins: There goes the whistle! Liverpool move clear at the top of the table as Mo Salah signs off in style. He’s going on international duty for the next month and will be huge miss of the Reds.

Will they still be on top when he gets back?

Liverpool 4-2 Newcastle

21:56 , Mike Jones

90+3 mins: Close!

Liverpool burst forward on the counter-attack which sees Mo Salah fed into the right side of the pitch. He carries the ball into the box, cuts inside then shoots only to see his effort blocked.

Liverpool 4-2 Newcastle

21:51 , Mike Jones

90 mins: Seven minutes of added time to play at Anfield.

GOAL! Liverpool 4-2 Newcastle (Salah, 86’)⚽️

21:47 , Mike Jones

86 mins: Mo Salah, having missed a penalty in the first half, steps up again and opens up the far side of the goal. Martin Dubravka dives the wrong way and Salah slots it home to put Liverpool two goals ahead once more.

Penalty! Liverpool 3-2 Newcastle

21:45 , Mike Jones

84 mins: Newcastle give away another spot kick.

Diogo Jota is played into the box and takes the ball around the goalkeeper who sprawls for the ball. He clips Jota who takes a couple more steps before falling over.

The referee points to the spot and VAR doesn’t overturn the decision.

GOAL! Liverpool 3-2 Newcastle (Botman, 81’)⚽️

21:43 , Mike Jones

81 mins: Newcastle score!

This time it comes from a set piece and defender Sven Botman breaks away from Diogo Jota before leaping at the ball as it is whipped in from a corner.

He meets it in the air and nods it past Alisson to bring Newcastle back within one of the Reds.

GOAL! Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle (Gakpo, 78’)⚽️

21:40 , Mike Jones

78 mins: Another one!

Mo Salah is the supplier once again after receiving the ball out wide on the right wing. He delivers a pass into the middle of the box with the outside of his foot and picks out Cody Gakpo.

Gakpo doesn’t connect cleanly but manages to turn the ball past Martin Dubravka to give Liverpool a cushion.

Gakpo could be offside though, VAR are checking it.

Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle

21:37 , Mike Jones

77 mins: Wataru Endo is taken off now to be replaced by Alexis Mac Allister for Liverpool. The midfielder is just returning to full fitness and will have about 15 minutes to play in this tense affair.

GOAL! Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle (Jones, 74’)⚽️

21:35 , Mike Jones

74 mins: Liverpool lead again!

Another slick move sees Ibrahima Konate give the ball to Diogo Jota who drives it forward before slipping a pass to Mo Salah. He brings the ball into the box and gives it back to the overlapping Jota.

Jota slips it inside to Curtis Jones who taps home just like Salah for the first goal.

Liverpool 1-1 Newcastle

21:32 , Mike Jones

72 mins: Liverpool’s xG stat is 4.35 meaning they should have at least four goals by now. It’s the highest xG by any team in the Premier League this season.

Newcastle’s in contrast is a tick over 0.

But... the main stat is that Liverpool have scored one, Newcastle have scored one. Will there be a winner?

Liverpool 1-1 Newcastle

21:30 , Mike Jones

69 mins: Chances!

A Liverpool corner is whipped into the box where the ball drops wonderfully for Cody Gakpo. He pings the ball through a cluster of bodies but Martin Dubravka drops low to deny Liverpool again.

The ball bobles out to substitute Ryan Gravenberch who drills his follow up well over the crossbar!

Liverpool 1-1 Newcastle

21:28 , Mike Jones

66 mins: Joelinton goes in the book for a lunging and cynical tackle which makes Jurgen Klopp smile. He’s still not got over the fact Joelinton wasn’t booked in the first half.

Liverpool 1-1 Newcastle

21:25 , Mike Jones

63 mins: Darwin Nunez takes a shot from range and almost pulls it off. He’s been a live wire for Liverpool but just hasn’t been able to find his eye for goal.

Jurgen Klopp now takes him off with Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota coming on. Luis Diaz seems to be the other man taken off.

Liverpool 1-1 Newcastle

21:22 , Mike Jones

60 mins: Eddie Howe made a substitution just before the Newcastle goal and brought on Miguel Almiron to replace Lewis Miley. That was the reason why Anthony Gordon had moved over to the left wing where he unlocked Alexander Isak to score.

Liverpool are piling on the pressure now, sustaining attacks.

Liverpool 1-1 Newcastle

21:21 , Mike Jones

57 mins: Luis Diaz gets away from Tino Livramento and fizzes a pass into the box. The balls skips across the six-yard area but there’s no-one around to tap home the cross.

GOAL! Liverpool 1-1 Newcastle (Isak, 54’)⚽️

21:16 , Mike Jones

54 mins: That’s a well taken goal from Alexander Isak. It comes from nothing as Anthony Gordon plays a simple pass in behind Liverpool’s high line.

Virgil van Dijk drops off which plays Isak onside and the forward collects the ball before nudging it into the box. He looks at Alisson then nestles a side footed shot into the back of the net.

Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle

21:14 , Mike Jones

52 mins: Liverpool look impressive since the restart. It was a frustrating first 45 minutes for them but since the break the front three have been incredible.

They’re linking up brilliantly and the pace of their play is causing real trouble.

GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle (Salah, 49’)⚽️

21:11 , Mike Jones

49 mins: There’s the breakthrough and guess who it is!

Liverpool work the ball from one end to the other with Darwin Nunez kick starting the move before drifting out to the right. Dominki Szoboszlai fires the ball out to Luis Diaz on the left.

He cuts inside then curls a pass through the Newcastle defence to feed it back to Nunez. He’s got space, draws in MArtin Dubravka then squares it to Mo Salah for a tap in.

That’s Salah’s 150th Premier League goal for Liverpool.

Second half! Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle

21:08 , Mike Jones

Newcastle get the ball rolling again for the second 45 minutes. Can Liverpool get themselves ahead in the game like their domiance deserves or will the visitors be the ones to take the points.

Let’s find out.

HT Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle

21:02 , Mike Jones

Since joining Liverpool in 2017-18, Mohamed Salah has failed to convert more Premier League penalties than any other player (6 – 23/29 scored).

Indeed, only Steven Gerrard (9) and Michael Owen (7) have missed more penalties in the competition for Liverpool than Salah.

HT Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle

20:58 , Mike Jones

Mo Salah is the only player with 15+ goals (24) and 15+ assists (15) in Europe’s big-five leagues in 2023.

He is the first player to reach 15 for both goals and assists in a single Premier League calendar year since Thierry Henry in 2003 (25 goals, 19 assists).

However, he’s started 2024 with a missed penalty. Can he rectify that error in the second half?

HT Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle

20:54 , Mike Jones

Half-time! Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle

20:50 , Mike Jones

45+5 mins: Dominik Szoboszlai sticks his leg out to reach a hopeful pass chipped into the box. He can’t reach it. Joe Gomez gives away a free kick and Trent Alexander-Arnold kicks the ball away earning himself a yellow card.

The whistle goes to end an eventful first half with the match still goalless.

Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle

20:47 , Mike Jones

45+3 mins: Miley is now put in the book for a lunging tackle on Salah despite getting to the ball first. The game, in part thanks to the nature of the pitch due to the rain, is starting to get a bit scrappy.

Liverpool are growing visibly frustrated.

Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle

20:45 , Mike Jones

45 mins: There’s going to be five minutes of added time to end the first half as Luis Diaz is booked for dissent.

Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle

20:44 , Mike Jones

43 mins: Joelinton clips Dominik Szoboszlai and takes him out but Liverpool recover the ball and the referee lets play go on. The Liverpool fans want Joelinton booked for the challenge but no punishment comes for the Newcastle midfielder.

Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle

20:40 , Mike Jones

40 mins: So, both teams have now had a goal ruled out. Liverpoo have misses a penalty too, not to mention all the chances they’ve let slip.

Martin Dubravka is having a fine game in between Newcastle’s sticks. Five minutes to play before half-time.

Disallowed goal! Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle

20:38 , Mike Jones

37 mins: Almost a snatch and grab! Newcastle slip the ball up to Alexander Isak who just drifts ahead of Ibrahima Konate. He feeds it into the box where the ball is lofted over to the left side of the box.

Dan Burn makes a long run from deep to reach the ball and nod it into the back of the net. His effort is in vain as the offside flag goes up and VAR confirms the decision.

Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle

20:37 , Mike Jones

36 mins: Chance! Darwin Nunez should put Liverpool ahead as Alexander-Arnold’s clearance is pumped up the pitch. Nunez takes the ball away from Fabian Schar who falls down.

Nunez moves the ball into the box then shoots only to be denied by Martin Dubravka.

Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle

20:35 , Mike Jones

33 mins: Anthony Gordon receives the ball on the right wing and drives down the line. A glance across the pitch and he spots Joelinton’s run towards the far post.

Gordon whips a cross over the box but Joelinton can’t keep it in play.

Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle

20:33 , Mike Jones

30 mins: Endo takes a long-ranged effort that gets blocked before Newcastle burst forward in a rare attack of their own. Alexander Isak is fed into the left side of the penalty area and drills a shot towards goal.

Virgil van Dijk gets the block in and then the offside flag goes up against the Newcastle striker.

Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle

20:28 , Mike Jones

26 mins: Liverpool have created nine attempts at goal with a penalty saved already. In contrast Newcastle have managed just one shot in the game.

Saved! Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle

20:23 , Mike Jones

23 mins: Martin Dubravka to the rescue!

Mo Salah sprints up to the ball and nails it straight at goal. Dubravka drops to the left and palms the ball into the path of Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The right-back hits his effort over the crossbar and the game remains all square!

Penalty! Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle

20:22 , Mike Jones

20 mins: Luis Diaz is brought down inside the box. He initially rides the challenge as he looks towards goal but then falls to the deck and convinces the referee to point to the spot.

VAR takes a look and keeps the decision with the referee on the pitch.

Disallowed goal!

20:19 , Mike Jones

Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle

18 mins: Curtis Jones receives the ball in the middle of the pitch and feeds it through the middle to play in Darwin Nunez. Nunez allows Dan Burn to get back across him as he enters the box.

The ball squirts across to Luis Diaz who nestles it into the far corner before the offside flag goes up.

A VAR confirms that it was Nunez who strayed ahead just before Jones’ pass.

Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle

20:17 , Mike Jones

16 mins: Alexander-Arnold flicks a free kick into the box where Darwin Nunez gets his head to the ball. He powers it at goal but knocks the effort over the crossbar.

Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle

20:16 , Mike Jones

15 mins: Newcastle have settled down after Liverpool’s rapid start. The visitors seem more composed on the ball now and are spreading across the pitch to open up space and pathways for runners.

Liverpool continue to press brilliantly though so, for now, it’s safe to say they’re on top.

Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle

20:13 , Mike Jones

12 mins: Szoboszlai swings a corner kick into the middle of the box for Liverpool but Dubravka confidently comes out to punch it away.

He only manages to send it to Alexander-Arnold but the defender’s cross back into the box gets dealt with.

Chance! Liverpool don’t rest on their laurels for long. Alexander-Arnold feeds Darwin Nunez who takes the ball to the edge of the box before slipping it to Mo Salah.

Salah curls a pass back to him and Nunez pokes it towards goal only for Dubravka to stick out a hand and keep it out. The ball comes to Curtis Jones but his shot comes to nothing.

Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle

20:08 , Mike Jones

9 mins: Anthony Gordon versus Joe Gomez could be an interesting battle and one, for Newcastle’s sake, that Gordon must get the better of.

He’s brought down by the overzealous defender but Newcastle don’t make full use of the free kick.

Instead, Sean Longstaff manages to recover possession high up the pitch and feed it up to Alexander Isal. He sends a pass into the right side of the bos for Lewis Miley who takes control then fizzes a shot at goal.

It gets blocked.

Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle

20:06 , Mike Jones

6 mins: Joe Gomez wins the ball back in the middle of the pitch as Newcastle attempt to pass their way out of danger. Liverpool win a free kick over on the left wing but it’s lofted straight into the arms of Martin Dubravka.

Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle

20:03 , Mike Jones

3 mins: Close! Liverpool’s start to this match has been superb. They force Newcastle to defend deep before slipping Luis Diaz into the box.

His cutback bounces around and comes to Dominik Szobozslai who squares it across to Trent Alexander-Arnold. The right-back takes a low curling shot but sees it deflect wide of the far post.

Kick off! Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle

20:01 , Mike Jones

The rain is pounding down at Anfield as the ball gets rolling. Liverpool kick off the match and work the ball to Ibrahima Konate who boots the ball over to the left side of the pitch.

Newcastle defend the opening pass but the Reds work it across to Mo Salah. He drives at Dan Burn before slotting a pass over to Wataru Endo.

The midfielder attempts to control the ball inside the ba#ox but he’s hurried and Newcastle work it away.

Liverpool vs Newcastle

19:56 , Mike Jones

Here come the teams.

Dan Burn leads out Newcastle in the absence of Kieran Trippier who misses the match due to injury. Virgil van Dijk captains Liverpool who are looking to extend their lead at the top of the table.

Which way will this one go?

Pre-match thoughts from Eddie Howe

19:54 , Mike Jones

“In the last game, they both [Trippier and Wilson] picked up injuries. I don’t think they’re too serious. Our schedule was that we were playing every three days. It was a really difficult month and we’ve had to protect the players that we’ve got.

“Manchester United were good defensively. We can try and take tips from that. The atmosphere will be red hot here at Anfield.

“We weren’t able to train normally with the schedule we had. It was an incredibly tough month because we didn’t have the ability to rotate the squad. We have to look to the future and today is a big test for us. Hopefully, we can start to well.”

Virgil van Dijk didn’t watch football over Christmas

19:50 , Mike Jones

Liverpool’s captain says he prepared for tonight’s match by not watching any football over the festive period, instead choosing to enjoy the time with his family.

Asked if he paid any attention to Liverpool’s title rivals during this time, Van Dijk said: “Not at all. I didn’t even watch football. I was spending time with my family. We’ve been away so much recently.

“We’ve had a couple of days to spend with our families before we focus on another big game on New Year’s Day.

“I don’t speak about winning the league at this point. I don’t think anyone in this team will do that because we know from experience that anything can happen.

“What we are striving for is consistency and just winning the game ahead of us, which has been key to our success previously.”

Liverpool vs Newcastle

19:45 , Mike Jones

Liverpool-born Anthony Gordon’s next Premier League appearance will be his 100th.

The last Newcastle player to score the opening Premier League goal of a calendar year was Alan Shearer in a 3-0 home win against Leeds United on 1 January 1997.

Liverpool vs Newcastle

19:40 , Mike Jones

Mohamed Salah has scored nine goals in 11 Premier League appearances versus teams managed by Eddie Howe.

Liverpool vs Newcastle

19:35 , Mike Jones

Newcastle’s solitary Premier League away win of 2023-24 was 8-0 at Sheffield United, who are the only side in the division with a worse record on the road.

They have lost four successive Premier League away fixtures for the first time since a run of five from December 2020 to January 2021 under Steve Bruce.

Liverpool vs Newcastle

19:30 , Mike Jones

Liverpool can lose their opening league match in consecutive years for the first time since 1953 and 1954. Their solitary defeat in the last 30 Premier League fixtures came away to Spurs in September. They’ve won 19 and drawn 10 in that time.

Jurgen Klopp believes Liverpool will deal with Mohamed Salah’s absence during African Cup of Nations

19:25 , Mike Jones

Jurgen Klopp has assured fans that Liverpool will deal with the absence of Mohamed Salah during the Africa Cup of Nations. Top goal scorer Salah could miss at least seven of Liverpool’s games when the tournament kicks off in January.

Jurgen Klopp believes Liverpool Will Find Solution In Mohamed Salah’s Absence

Liverpool vs Newcastle

19:20 , Mike Jones

Newcastle have taken five points from their last five New Year’s Day league matches, with their only win during that sequence coming at Stoke City in 2018.

Eddie Howe’s side have suffered eight league defeats at the halfway mark of this season, in contrast to just one at the same stage last year.

Liverpool vs Newcastle

19:15 , Mike Jones

This is Liverpool’s first New Year’s Day fixture since a 2-1 victory at Burnley in 2018, and their first at home since drawing 2-2 with Leicester City in 2015.

They dropped points in their opening league game in each of the previous three years, losing at Southampton in 2021 and Brentford in 2023, either side of a 2-2 draw at Chelsea in 2022.

Liverpool vs Newcastle

19:10 , Mike Jones

All three previous New Year’s Day league meetings between these clubs were top-flight home matches for Newcastle, who won two and drew the other.

Will they avoid defeat at Anfield tonight?

Liverpool vs Newcastle team changes

19:05 , Mike Jones

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp makes four changes to the side that won 2-0 at Burnley on Boxing Day. Ibrahima Konate returns in central defence replacing Jarell Quansah while Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones slot in midfield ahead of Harvey Elliott and Ryan Gravenberch.

Luis Diaz comes in for Cody Gakpo, meaning Darwin Nunez will likely play centrally. Alexis Mac Allister is back on the bench after a six-game lay-off.

Eddie Howe opts to make two changes to the Newcastle team that were beaten 3-1 by Nottingham Forest last time out. Kieran Trippier isn’t involved at all with Miguel Almiron dropping to the bench as Tino Livramento and Joelinton come in.

Jamaal Lascelles starts on the bench.

Liverpool vs Newcastle line-ups

19:01 , Mike Jones

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez; Endo, Szoboszlai, Jones; Salah, Nunez, Diaz

Newcastle XI: Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Botman, Burn; Miley, Guimaraes, Longstaff; Joelinton, Isak, Gordon

Liverpool vs Newcastle

18:55 , Mike Jones

Newcastle are winless in 27 away matches versus Liverpool in all competitions (drawn five, lost 22).

They last won at Anfield in the League Cup fourth round in November 1995, while their only Premier League victory there came in April 1994.

Liverpool vs Newcastle

18:50 , Mike Jones

Liverpool are unbeaten in all 14 league games against Newcastle since a 2-0 defeat at St James’ Park in December 2015, two months into Jurgen Klopp’s reign.

Newcastle must be ‘near perfect’ to end miserable Anfield record, says Eddie Howe

18:45 , Mike Jones

Eddie Howe has told Newcastle United they need to be “near perfect” if they are to address their dreadful record at Liverpool.

The Magpies will run out at Anfield on Monday evening having not won there in the Premier League since April 1994, when Rob Lee and Andy Cole were their goalscorers, and having lost their last five home and away against Jurgen Klopp’s men.

Newcastle came close to ending that run last season when they led through Alexander Isak’s debut goal with 29 minutes remaining, before Roberto Firmino’s equaliser set up substitute Fabio Carvalho to snatch victory for Liverpool in the eighth minute of stoppage time.

Eddie Howe says Newcastle must be ‘near perfect’ to end miserable Anfield record

Howe vs Klopp?

18:40 , Mike Jones

Will tonight’s match be a tactical battle between Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and Newcastle manager Eddie Howe? In part yes, but Howe isn’t focusing on that.

He said: “I don’t think it’s me against Jurgen Klopp, it’s Liverpool against Newcastle and that’s how we have to look at this game.

“As I said earlier, we have to be very, very good in every aspect of our game because if there’s a weakness in your structure or in your set-up, then they will find it. They’ve got quality players.

“It’s always a great experience to go to Anfield, it’s always a brilliant arena to play in. For us, we learnt some painful lessons last year. Hopefully we can use that experience to good effect this time.”

Newcastle need to be ‘near-perfect’ says Howe

18:35 , Mike Jones

Eddie Howe knows that Newcastle have come through a difficult period and now have to take on the Premier League leaders at Anfield.

“There’ve been a couple of painful games against Liverpool, for sure - the game last season at Anfield was particularly tough for us.” said Howe of the recent history between the two teams.

“This season wasn’t any easier. I think the positive thing in both of those games is we performed really well and were competitive, and gave Liverpool a really good game.

“I think, for us, we need to be near-perfect in this game. I think this is a really tough game for us. They’ve performed really well at home especially, they’re consistent, a really good team. So for us, the challenge is that we need to re-find our best form and we need to be mentally very strong.”

Jurgen Klopp on facing Newcastle and what’s to come in 2024

18:30 , Mike Jones

Jurgen Klopp spoke about tonight’s match against Newcastle and explained how he sees Liverpool’s current situation as Premier League leaders.

“Look, Newcastle did incredibly well and, OK, it’s unlucky you have that amount of injuries but then on top of that, you play international football, which they didn’t play now 50 times in a row.” he said, “So the whole system has to get used to that – I mean the system of the players.

“It’s completely different – if you have a normal training week or if you have pretty much only recovery and then have to go again for a big, big, big game. Premier League games are all big, Champions League games are all big. So that’s us a little bit. It was, for sure, a little bit of a problem but they still do really well and in all the games they lost they had really good spells.

“The games I saw – and the analysis only starts now really – they had really good spells, they have a really good idea. But at one point Eddie [Howe] had to play too often the same line-up, definitely, that’s clear with all these games. And the boys did incredibly well – I think he’s said that as well. You have to really give credit to the players for the effort they have put in. But it was pretty much the same line-up for a long, long time and then the guys who play all the time get tired and the guys who come back have no rhythm. We had that situation plenty of times.

“But now they have five, six days – like we have – between the games and that will help both teams, definitely. We played five games in 13 days – it’s absolutely insane as well. We somehow came through that but now it’s about using that extra recovery time because we are still in all cup competitions.

“That means we have a busy January as well, other teams probably have a lesser-busy January, which is then helpful, and we all have to get through that as well. From February on, we all have the same schedule again and then we will see.”

Joe Gomez set for overdue Liverpool milestone after overcoming adversity

18:25 , Mike Jones

Jurgen Klopp said Joe Gomez had never asked to leave Liverpool and said the club’s longest-serving player is “absolutely at home” at Anfield.

Gomez is set to bring up 200 Liverpool appearances in January after a time on Merseyside that has been interrupted by serious injuries and spells on the bench. Klopp admitted the defender had a difficult campaign last year and, partly due to injuries, he had only started 25 league games in the three seasons before this one.

But the 26-year-old has excelled in three positions so far this season and, in the absence of the injured Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas, is Klopp’s first-choice left-back for the next few weeks.

Joe Gomez set for overdue Liverpool milestone after overcoming adversity

Liverpool vs Newcastle prediction

18:20 , Mike Jones

Liverpool will face a tough test against a resurging Newcastle side looking to get in contention of the Champions League spots.

Consistent performances and the Anfield crowd will spur on Jurgen Klopp’s men and ensure they edge a well fought contest and keep hiold of their place at the top of the league.

Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle.

Liverpool vs Newcastle predicted line-ups

18:15 , Mike Jones

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez; Jones, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Salah, Nunez, Diaz

Newcastle XI: Dubravka; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Miley, Guimaraes, Longstaff; Almiron, Isak, Gordon

Early team news

18:10 , Mike Jones

Newcastle’s Joe Willock and Harvey Barnes are unavailable for Newcastle and continue their rehabilitation from respective injuires though no immediate return dates are known.

Jamaal Lascelles doesn’t have a serious knock according to Eddie Howe but is a doubt for the match. Joelinton should feature after coming off the bench against Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day.

Jurgen Klopp provided updates on Alexis Mac Allister, who is close to returning to team training, Andy Robertson, who is not, Thiago Alcantara, who may be fit for a January return, and Stefan Bajectic, who is being monitored by the medical team to see when he can return.

Mac Allister has the best chance of featuring against Newcastle, probably off the bench.

How to watch Liverpool vs Newcastle

18:05 , Mike Jones

Liverpool vs Newcastle will kick off at 8pm GMT on Monday 1 January at Anfield.

The match will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event with coverage starting at 6.30pm GMT, and can be streamed also via the Sky Go app.

If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.

Liverpool vs Newcastle

18:00 , Mike Jones

Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Premier League action as Liverpool host Newcastle at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp’s men start the New Year as the Premier League leaders and can open up a three point lead on second placed Aston Villa if they defeat the Magpies tonight.

The Reds are unbeaten in 12 league games and secured a professional 2-0 win over Burnley in their last outing. They are confident at home but face a testing clash with Newcastle this evening.

Eddie Howe’s squad are slowly finding their form again as players recover from injury and return to the starting line-up. However, they’ve lost their last two matches - against Luton and Nottingham Forest - so are in desperate need of picking up three points today.

We’ll have all the updates, team news and match action throughout the evening so stick with us.