A visit to St. James’ Park awaits league leaders Liverpool FC on Wednesday after the Merseysiders shared the spoils with basement side West Brom in a 1-1 draw over the weekend.
Jurgen Klopp’s men were quite misfiring in their performance at Anfield against the Baggies as the much-touted ‘Allardyce effect’ came fast into effect just weeks following Sam Allardyce’s appointment to the top job at the relegation favourites.
However, West Brom could well have left Anfield with a victory under their belt if it had not been for Liverpool FC No.1 Alisson Becker, with the Brazillian international being called into action twice within a span of few minutes during the second half to deny the visitors from finding the back of the net.
Sadio Mane’s fantastic opening goal looked all set to clinch a rather uninspiring win for Klopp’s side, but West Brom left it late to seal an equaliser through Semi Ajayi’s header in the 82nd minute to level the match.
Klopp was vocal of his player’s frustration at their own display in the gaffer’s post-match comments as the Merseyside Reds squandered a golden opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the top-flight pile to five points.
However, a three-point lead over nearest foes Everton heading into Wednesday’s match would provide great solace to Klopp and Co. as they seek to carry on their recent streak of away form.
A six-game winless streak on their travels away from Anfield was broken in heroic fashion with a 7-0 thrashing of Crystal Palace prior to the West Brom clash, and the Premier League holders would be hoping for a similar sort of showing when going up against the Magpies.
Steve Bruce’s men have not been encouraging in their displays of late as the 2-0 loss to Manchester City meant that St. James’ Park outfit stayed in the 14th spot ahead of welcoming the table-toppers during the midweek fixture list.
Wednesday’s fixture looks rather favourable for Jurgen Klopp’s side to leave with all three points secured, however, their recent run of form prior to the Selhurst Park episode was unflattering by the standards that have come to be recognised with last season’s champions.
In light of the Everton vs Manchester City fixture being postponed due to an outbreak of COVID-19 related cases within the Ethiad Stadium outfit’s ranks, a win against Newcastle United presents the Reds with yet another chance to open up a wide lead at the top of the table.
WHEN & WHERE?
Tomorrow = 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐃𝐀𝐘! 🔴⚫️
Our final game of 2020…
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 29, 2020
Date: Wednesday 30 December
Time: 3 PM GMT
Venue: St. James’ Park
TEAM NEWS
Adding to the ever-increasing number of defensive casualties in the first-team ranks at Liverpool FC, Joel Matip was forced off the pitch during Sunday’s stalemate against West Brom with yet another injury issue for the senior centre-back.
Matip’s expected absence for the fixture against Newcastle United could mean Klopp resorts back to fielding teenage starlet Rhys Williams at the heart of the Merseysiders’ backline alongside Fabinho.
Naby Keita was missing from Liverpool FC’s matchday squad over the weekend and Klopp confirmed that it was a muscle issue for the midfielder that prevented him from featuring at Anfield.
KEY BATTLE
Callum Wilson vs Fabinho
As Joel Matip’s recent injury niggle makes the Cameroonian doubtful to line up on Wednesday against Steve Bruce’s men, his centre-back pairing Fabinho will have to shoulder the responsibility of marshalling the Reds backline.
In Matip’s absence, Fabinho remains Liverpool FC’s most experienced man in the four-man backline that Jurgen Klopp will field at St. James’ Park.
Ex-Bournemouth forward Callum Wilson has shown great form since his move to the Magpies and the Englishman will hope to cause trouble for an injury-hit Liverpool FC backline.
MATCH PREDICTION
Sunday’s bland display of football at Anfield should convince Jurgen Klopp’s side to return to winning ways when taking on bottom-half side Newcastle United on Wednesday.
All focus on #NEWLIV 💪 pic.twitter.com/UkS3euTXje
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 28, 2020
If the Merseysiders to turn up on their usual best, we predict the visitors to hand a 3-0 defeat to Steve Bruce’s Magpies.
