Newcastle v Liverpool – Premier League Preview

Date – 4th December 2024

Venue – St James Park

Kick-off – 19.30

After a fantastic weekend victory against Manchester City, Arne Slot encounters another challenging opponent in his effort to keep an eleven-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

Newcastle United Availability

Jamaal Lascelles, Emil Krafth, Sven Botman, and Alexander Isak are all unavailable for Eddie Howe as he attempts to rejuvenate his campaign. Their recent form includes a 1-1 draw away to Crystal Palace after a shock 0-2 loss at home to visiting West Ham. Before the international break, the Geordies beat the impressive Nottingham Forest by a 1-3 margin at the City Ground. Following thirteen games played, Newcastle United sit 11th in the English top tier, with a disappointing 19 points taken.

Predicted Newcastle Lineup

GK – Nick Pope

RB – Tino Livramento

RCB – Fabian Schär

LCB – Dan Burn

LB – Lewis Hall

CM – Joelinton

CDM – Bruno Guimarães

CM – Sandro Tonali

RW – Anthony Gordon

CF – Callum Wilson

LW – Harvey Barnes

The Liverpool Availability

Federico Chiesa is in the process of rebuilding his fitness and has an outside chance of making the bench for this game. Alisson Becker’s status for selection remains uncertain as he continues his recovery; he may be held back for the weekend derby against neighbours Everton. Diogo Jota will be unavailable for another week and will not be included in the matchday squad. Conor Bradley suffered a hamstring injury this week and will be out until the new year, similar to his teammate Ibrahima Konaté, who is now sidelined until January. Kostas Tsimikas is also unavailable for Arne Slot.

In terms of recent form, Liverpool convincingly defeated Manchester City 2-0 at Anfield, following a 2-0 victory against fellow Champions League contenders Real Madrid, also at Anfield. This success came after a hard-fought 3-2 win at Southampton. After thirteen games played, Liverpool sits at the top of the Premier League with an impressive total of 34 points.

Predicted Liverpool Lineup

GK – Caoimhin Kelleher

RB – Trent Alexander Arnold

RCB – Joe Gomez

LCB – Virgil van Dijk (c)

LB – Andy Robertson

CM – Alexis Mac Allister

ACM – Curtis Jones

CM – Ryan Gravenberch

RF – Mohamed Salah

CF – Darwin Núñez

LF – Cody Gakpo

How Will This Contest Play Out

Liverpool aims to maintain momentum and exploit a side missing their best attacker. The confidence of the visiting team should be sufficient to overcome a Newcastle squad struggling to find their identity.

Player to watch – Darwin Núñez

Steven Smith’s Score Prediction;

Newcastle 1 – 2 Liverpool