Newcastle United host Liverpool on Saturday in need of what would be a huge win.
While its important to stress the need for perspective this season, Eddie Howe’s side have run into some difficulty of late. The last six games have yielded only one win, allowing fifth-placed Tottenham to close the gap to the top four to just two points.
Indeed, a win for Jurgen Klopp’s side would see them go just six points behind Newcastle while also boasting a game in hand. Though Liverpool have been hugely inconsistent this season, the sheer amount of quality they have in their ranks makes that a daunting prospect.
The only team to beat Howe’s men in the Premier League this season, Newcastle need to stop Liverpool from claiming what would be a vital three points.
Here’s everything you need to know about the game.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Newcastle vs Liverpool is scheduled for a 5.30pm GMT kick-off time on Saturday 18 February, 2023.
St James’ Park in Newcastle will host.
Where to watch Newcastle vs Liverpool
TV channel: The game will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra HDR.
Live stream: The Sky Go app will allow subscribers to access a live stream across mobile devices, laptops, games consoles, tablets and more.
Newcastle vs Liverpool team news
Joe Willock is a major doubt for the game, although Howe has confirmed the midfielder’s injury is not thought to be serious. Both Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin, meanwhile, are expected to be fit, while Anthony Gordon could start amid a change in shape.
Bruno Guimaraes will serve the last of his three-match suspension and Callum Wilson faces a late fitness test.
Generally, Howe has preferred a 4-3-3 system but having only two fit recognised central midfielders in Joelinton and Sean Longstaff could see a 4-2-3-1 deployed, with all of Saint-Maximin, Almiron and Gordon behind either Wilson or Alexander Isak.
For Liverpool, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino returned from recent injury problems during their win over Everton on Monday, while Virgil van Dijk was fit enough for the bench and Klopp has confirmed he is likely to start.
Newcastle vs Liverpool prediction
Newcastle were hardly at their best at Bournemouth last week but have been so strong this season that it’s difficult to look past them claiming at least something out of the game.
1-1 draw.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Newcastle wins: 50
Draws: 44
Liverpool wins: 90
