Liverpool will aim to stay on par with their rivals at the top of the table as they take on a Newcastle side struggling for form this season. The Reds must secure three points to maintain pressure on Man City and Arsenal, but Eddie Howe’s team is unlikely to make it easy for them on Monday night at Anfield. Here are ten key things to know before Liverpool vs. Newcastle.
1. Jurgen Klopp hinted that Alexis Mac Allister may be available for Monday night’s game, but Andy Robertson’s return is still uncertain.
2. Newcastle will have to contend with nine players unavailable due to injuries and Sandro Tonali’s ban for betting breaches.
3. Liverpool may make changes to the lineup, with Cody Gakpo and Harvey Elliott vying for a starting spot.
4. Expect Newcastle to set up defensively and frustrate Liverpool, as they did in their previous encounter.
5. The return of Diogo Jota gives Liverpool an added attacking boost, and he will be eager to add to his one goal against Newcastle.
6. Is Eddie Howe feeling the pressure?
Eddie Howe, Newcastle United’s manager, received applause from supporters after the team’s recent Premier League match against Manchester City FC. However, despite leading the club into their first Champions League campaign in two decades, Howe finds himself in a difficult position. The team is currently 16th in the Premier League form table, having lost to relegation candidates Luton and Nottingham Forest in back-to-back matches. A loss against Liverpool at Anfield could further jeopardize Howe’s future.
7. Will Liverpool score six against Newcastle?
Liverpool has won the last five meetings against Newcastle, and the team hasn’t won against Liverpool in the last 14 encounters dating back to 2016. The last time Newcastle won in the league at Anfield was in 1994.
8. Record points at stake
Liverpool has picked up 114 points against Newcastle in the Premier League era, with only West Ham surrendering more points (115). Liverpool could overtake West Ham’s record if they win on Monday night.
9. Referee for the match
Anthony Taylor will be the referee for the match, with Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn assisting from the sidelines. Stuart Attwell and Mark Scholes will be in the VAR booth at Stockley Park, while Andy Madley will be the fourth official. Taylor made two controversial decisions against Liverpool in an earlier match this season.
10. Follow the match with us!
This Is Anfield will provide a matchday liveblog from 7.15pm (GMT) ahead of the 8pm kickoff at Anfield. Stay updated with all the happenings during the match.
