A trip to St. James’ Park on Saturday evening awaits Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool who lock horns with top four challengers Newcastle United in the Premier League.
Newcastle’s high flying campaign has seen them rival the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool for a Champions League qualification berth but the latter remains the only team in the top flight to have beaten them this season.
A much needed win was finally on the cards for Klopp’s side who came out on top in the Merseyside derby on home soil with a 2-0 scoreline against Everton as Mohamed Salah’s first half strike was followed up by new boy Cody Gakpo’s first goal for his new club.
Newcastle, meanwhile, were held to a 1-1 draw on their travels to Bournemouth which extended their unbeaten run in the top flight to an impressive 17 games but has signalled that the failure to convert draws into wins could play spoilsport the ambitions of a top four finish come the end of the campaign.
Eddie Howe’s men, despite their recent form being far from encouraging with just three goals to boast from their last six league games, remain unbeaten on home turf in 12 Premier League games and upcoming visitors Liverpool are expected to face a stern challenge in their pursuit of the three points.
The Reds are eyeing another win to climb up the standings and a positive result at St. James’ Park will take them just six points adrift of the Magpies and make for an exciting finish to the Premier League season.
WHEN & WHERE?
Date: Saturday 18 February 2023
Time: 3 PM GMT
Venue: St. James’ Park
TEAM NEWS
Liverpool received a triple injury boost with Diogo Jota, Virgil van Dijk and Roberto Firmino returning to the squad last time out in the win over Everton.
Joining the trio could be loan signing Arthur Melo who has been pictured in full training following his thigh surgery which ensured a lengthy spell on the sidelines for the Brazil midfielder.
Thiago Alcantara, however, could be missing out for a few weeks after a hip injury while Ibrahima Konate and Calvin Ramsey also remain in the treatment room.
Luis Diaz was spotted running on the Kirkby ground earlier this week but the Reds winger is not expected to return to full fitness until the next fortnight.
KEY BATTLE
Mohamed Salah vs Anthony Gordon
Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah broke his goal drought when he opened the scoring in the debry clash on Monday and Jurgen Klopp would be delighted to have his star forward back in top form.
Salah is the man who can make things difficult for the Newcastle backline and with strike partners Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo hoping to impress again, the Reds have a potent attack to steer them to winning ways.
Newcastle spent big on recruiting Anthony Gordon from Everton in the January window and the youngster will be a threat for Liverpool’s defence on Saturday.
MATCH PREDICTION
Liverpool were at their best in the win over Everton but a trip to St. James’ Park could pose a tough challenge for Jurgen Klopp’s side with Newcastle upbeat in their displays on home soil.
Newcastle United 1-1 Liverpool
