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Newcastle United – Liverpool FC
While the 21st matchday is coming up in the Bundesliga this weekend, the English top flight is already a bit further ahead. In the Premier League, the 24th matchday is already upon us. On Saturday evening, an absolute top match will be played in the far north of the island. Jürgen Klopp and his Reds will travel to the Tyne to face fourth-placed Newcastle United at 18:30. Find out whether the Reds will return to winning ways on Saturday in our Newcastle vs Liverpool tip.
Under the guidance of coach Eddie Howe, Newcastle United are having an outstanding season so far. Last year, the team was in a relegation battle for a long time, but this season the team from the north of England is fighting for a place in the Champions League. Newcastle currently occupy fourth place in the Premier League table. Last Saturday, the Magpies played out a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth.
Meanwhile, their opponents from Liverpool are a few points away from international business. The Reds are playing a season to forget. At least Liverpool managed a 2-0 win in the Merseyside derby last Monday. Nevertheless, LFC are currently only in ninth place in the Premier League.
Newcastle – Liverpool info:
– Date & Time: 18/02/2023, 18:30.
– Venue: St. James’ Park, Newcastle
– Competition: Premier League, Matchday 24
– TV coverage: Sky
Newcastle Form & Balance Check
After finishing 19th in the first half of last season, Newcastle United improved significantly in the second half under new coach Eddie Howe to finish third in the second leg table. The team from the far north of England continued this performance this season. Since matchday 13, Newcastle have been in a position to qualify for the Champions League and have lost only one league game so far.
Furthermore, the Magpies are unbeaten since the end of August. Recently, however, Newcastle United have stagnated somewhat. The team from the Tyne played five of the last six games only draws. Last weekend, the Magpies were held to a 1-1 draw by second-bottom Bournemouth. However, Newcastle are still fourth in the league
Defensive dominance
The Newcastle team has a remarkable defence, which is the absolute star of the team. In the first 22 games of the season, the team has conceded just 13 goals – a feat unmatched by any other team in the Premier League. Arsenal have the second best defence in the Premier League with a full eight more goals conceded.
A major factor in this is Nick Pope, who joined Newcastle from relegated Burnley before the start of the season. The 1.98-metre giant is an extremely reliable goalkeeper and has kept a clean sheet for the team twelve times this season.
Newcastle facts & analysis
– Newcastle are currently fourth in the table.
– Only one win in their last six league games
– 17 consecutive games without defeat in the Premier League
Liverpool form & balance check
So far this season, Liverpool have shown almost unrecognisable form under manager Jürgen Klopp. The team has already conceded seven Premier League defeats, which is more than in the 18/19, 19/20 and 21/22 seasons combined. This poor performance is also reflected in the table, where Liverpool are only ninth in the table and already nine points behind the first Champions League place, currently occupied by opponents Newcastle.
In the first four league games of 2023, LFC even picked up only one full point. In the previous week, redemption finally followed for the Reds. In the Merseyside derby against Everton, Liverpool prevailed 2-0 to secure their supremacy in the city.
Offensive upheaval
Over the last few years, Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané have formed Liverpool FC’s attacking trio. Since Mané moved to Bayern in the summer, the team’s attack has changed. The second most expensive new signing in the club’s history, Darwin Núñez, is still working to convince fans of his ability. Liverpool’s offensive problems have also been compounded by injuries to Diogo Jota and Luis Díaz.
At least Diogo Jota has since returned to action for the Reds. The Portuguese celebrated his comeback against Everton. In addition, the 2019 Champions League winners strengthened their squad in the winter with Cody Gakpo. The Dutchman, who made a splash at the World Cup in Qatar, also scored his debut goal for the Reds in the previous week.
Liverpool facts & analysis
– 9th on the table with 32 points.
– 13 points less in the Premier League than this time last season
– Six defeats away from home already
Predicted line-up – last update on 17 February 2023
Newcastle always play in a 4-3-3 under Eddie Howe, with Pope the sure back in goal. Together with a well-rehearsed back four, he makes it extremely difficult for the opposing attackers to score. Emil Krafth and Matty Longstaff are missing due to injury. Newcomer Anthony Gordon, who comes from the Everton youth team, could move into the starting eleven.
We also expect Liverpool to play in a 4-3-3, with Virgil van Dijk potentially rotating back into the starting eleven. Stefan Bajcetic, who is only 18 years old, has shown strong performances recently and will probably be back on the pitch from the start. Only Luis Díaz and Arthur Melo are still missing for the Reds due to injury.
Newcastle – Liverpool direct comparison & Statistics
Both teams have faced each other 108 times in competitive matches so far. The balance is clearly in favour of the Reds, who have won 61 meetings so far. Newcastle, on the other hand, have only won 22 times. However, the Megapies’ last win against Liverpool dates back to 2015. LFC won the first leg 2-1 with a last-second goal from Fábio Carvalho.
– The two teams are separated by nine points in the league.
– Newcastle have not won any of their last twelve games against Liverpool
– Newcastle have not lost any of their last 18 home games
– When Liverpool lead 1-0 in away games, they win 92% of matches
