Liverpool vs Newcastle tips and predictions: Hosts to put one hand on the title?

Liverpool state of play

Liverpool’s 2-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium has made Arne Slot’s side firm favourites to win the Premier League title. 

The league leaders return to Anfield where they’ve picked up an impressive 29 points from a possible 36, as they look to carry on their momentum after beating Manchester City against Champions League-chasing Newcastle.

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Not many teams take points off Liverpool this season, and Newcastle are one of those. But as we edge towards March, only Nottingham Forest have beaten Slot’s team in their own back yard. Their relentless attacking approach has served them well thus far.

Now 11 points clear, Liverpool’s dominance has almost decided the title race in February, with Betfred already paying out on the Reds winning the Premier League. Their sixth straight win at Anfield - across all competitions - is firmly on the cards.

Newcastle state of play 

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle will have a spring in their step after beating high-flying Nottingham Forest 4-3 on Sunday afternoon. However, having sailed into a convincing 4-1 lead at half-time, the hosts were somewhat fortunate not to throw the game as Forest scored twice late on.

Add in the four goals they conceded against Manchester City, it’s clear the absence of Sven Botman in the heart of defence is hurting them. 

Although Newcastle had previously won their last six away matches before their Manchester City defeat, their record at Anfield is rather bleak.

Having lost four of the last five meetings, Newcastle fans have to go back to 1995 in the League Cup the last time they defeated Liverpool at Anfield. It’s a tall order for Howe’s men on Wednesday evening.

Key talking point: Can anyone stop Salah from scoring?

Mohamed Salah heads into this fixture looking to score in his ninth straight match across all competitions. Within those matches, the Egyptian has notched nine goals as well as providing four assists.

With 25 goals to his name from 27 Premier League appearances, the 32-year-old is easily the main reason as to why Liverpool are perched at the top of the table.

Newcastle will be sick of the sight of him, too, having scored a brace in their 3-3 draw earlier in the season, as well as scoring the opener in their 4-2 win at Anfield last season.

In terms of the visitors, Alexander Isak ended his four-match goal drought with a brace against Nottingham Forest, and the Swedish international will be hoping his name hits the back pages of the papers on Thursday morning, rather than the current Premier League top goalscorer.

FIRST’s top tip for Liverpool vs Newcastle

Liverpool to win and over 2.5 goals at 19/20 with Betway

With the reverse fixture producing six goals in total, Liverpool will be confident they can continue their title charge in front of a packed Anfield crowd. 

Extra tips 

There’s no surprise to see Mohamed Salah priced at odds-on to score anytime against Newcastle. Although impossible to rule him out in his current form, it’s best to back the Egyptian to score first at 12/5 with Betway.

This bet has landed in Liverpool’s last two matches against Aston Villa on the road as well as their impressive 2-0 win at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

For those looking for a chunkier price, Dominik Szoboszlai at 16/5 with Betway to score anytime looks rather tempting. 

The Hungarian international was keen to support Salah against Manchester City, setting up his first before his teammate repaid the favour.

The 24-year-old was also recently on the scoresheet at Anfield when Liverpool hammered Tottenham 4-0, and in a match expected to have plenty of goals, the midfielder has a great chance to add to his tally.

Mohamed Salah to score first - 12/5 Betway

Dominik Szobozslai to score anytime - 16/5 Betway

Team news 

Liverpool head into this clash with two first team players out injured. Defenders Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez, who are both being treated for thigh injuries, won’t be included within the squad. 

Cody Gakpo returned to action for a 12-minute cameo against Manchester City, who will once again be expected to take his place on the bench.

As mentioned, Sven Botman will miss the trip to Anfield. Fabian Schar should partner Dan Burn in the heart of defence with both Valentino Livramento and Lewis Hall expected to slot into the full-back roles.

Callum Wilson has slowly started to pick up a few minutes here and there, but it’s highly unlikely he’ll start against Liverpool after his long-term injury.

Liverpool vs Newcastle predicted line-ups 

Liverpool: Alisson; Robertson, van Dijk, Konate, Alexander-Arnold; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Jones, Salah, Szoboszlai; Diaz (4-2-3-1).

Newcastle: Pope; Hall, Burn, Schar, Livramento; Willock, Guimaraes, Miley; Murphy, Gordon, Isak (4-3-3).

Form guide (all competitions): 

Liverpool: WWLWWLDWDW

Newcastle: WWWLWLWWLW

Odds correct at the time of writing.