Premier League: Liverpool Must Be Wary of New-Look Newcastle

Liverpool vs Newcastle United

After an eventful week off the pitch with all the Super League drama, Liverpool now return to Premier League action as they resume their chase for Champions League qualification. The Reds currently in seventh place, two points behind both Chelsea and West Ham in fourth and fifth, respectively.

However, they have a potentially tricky foe coming up next in Newcastle United. The Magpies have been in terrific form of late and have gotten themselves out of immediate relegation trouble, while tripping up a couple of top-four hopefuls in the process.

Can Newcastle defy the Premier League 2021 betting odds once more at Anfield, where Liverpool have had their struggles this season?

 

Talking Points

Liverpool still chasing Champions League place

Liverpool’s need to secure Champions League football next season has been highlighted once again after the European Super League project — of which they were a part — suffered a spectacularly swift end this week.

The Reds missed their opportunity to close the gap on Chelsea and West Ham for fourth place after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Leeds United. Sadio Mane had given them the lead, but Diego Llorente equalised three minutes from time to hand the Whites a point.

Jurgen Klopp opted to rest leading scorer Mohamed Salah, who only came on as a substitute with 20 minutes to go. But the Egyptian, who has 19 league goals and has scored five goals in his last six games for club and country, is likely to make his way back to the starting XI.

Salah last scored in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Aston Villa, which ended the Reds’ horrific run of Premier League 2021 results at Anfield. Prior to that win, they had suffered six consecutive defeats and went eight games without a win on their home ground.

Centre-back Nathaniel Phillips missed the Leeds match with a thigh injury, which meant Fabinho went to partner Ozan Kabak in defence while Thiago came into midfield alongside Gini Wijnaldum and James Milner. Expect the Brazilian to keep his place if Phillips misses out once again.

 

Newcastle now look safe from the drop

Newcastle United have seemingly saved themselves from relegation for another season thanks to a recent string of impressive results. After outplaying Tottenham in a 2-2 draw, they picked up back-to-back wins against Burnley and West Ham to move eight points clear of the relegation zone with just six games left to play.

Allan Saint-Maximin has been instrumental in their two victories. He came on as a substitute against Burnley and completely changed the game as he set up the equaliser and scored the winner. He also played a major role in their opening goal against West Ham.

Meanwhile, Joelinton and Joe Willock have also played important roles in Newcastle’s recent resurgence. The much-maligned Joelinton has scored two goals in his last three games, while Willock has popped up with two crucial late goals as a substitute, including the winner against West Ham.

Manager Steve Bruce deserves credit for finally playing a more positive attacking style. Although, with survival all but secure, it remains to be seen whether he will continue to be as adventurous at Anfield against Liverpool or if he will return to his more cautious defensive approach.

If Newcastle do decide to go at Liverpool, though, the likes of Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson could cause the Reds’ shaky backline some problems on the counterattack.

 

History

Liverpool have historically had the upper hand over Newcastle, with 87 wins to 50 and 43 draws. They have also gone unbeaten in their last eight meetings against the Magpies, with five wins and three draws.

Although, Newcastle ended Liverpool’s run of five consecutive victories against them by holding the Reds to a goalless draw in their first matchup this season in December.

But Newcastle have a terrible record at Anfield. Their last league win at the famous ground came back in 1994.

 

Betting Tip 

	Liverpool vs Newcastle United	Liverpool Asian Handicap -1.50 @ 1.82
	April 24, 19:30 (GMT+8)

Despite Newcastle’s fine form and Liverpool’s awful record of late at Anfield, SBOTOP odds still have the Reds installed as 1.29 favourites at home. The Magpies are massive 9.00 underdogs, while a draw is 5.60.

The key in this match will be the motivations of these two sides. Liverpool are still fighting for a crucial Champions League spot and will surely be up for this match. Meanwhile, Newcastle may be satisfied with just about securing safety and might not have the same verve that they’ve shown in recent weeks.

Amid their problems at Anfield, I fully expect Liverpool to play better and secure the win they need quite comfortably.

A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR () BETS ARE WORTH:
= €20 (Highly confident)	= €10 (CONFIDENT)	= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)

Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.

 

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