League leaders, Liverpool take on Newcastle United at Anfield as the Premier League recommences after a fortnight break.
Victory for the Reds will see them retain top spot whilst Newcastle will at least temporarily climb into the top ten with all three points.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesNaby Keita could return for Liverpool after spending the past month sidelined with a groin injury.
Alisson (calf) and Nathaniel Clyne (knee) however are both still ruled out until further notice.
Newcastle could have DeAndre Yedlin and Jack Colback available after both recovered from respective groin injuries, although Sean Longstaff is ruled out after picking up an ankle injury in training.
Allan Saint-Maximin and Andy Carroll meanwhile are a fortnight away from potentially being considered for the match day squad, after battling respective thigh and ankle injuries.
Dwight Gayle (calf), Matt Ritchie (ankle) and Florian Lejeune (knee) are still ruled out for the foreseeable future.
Form
Liverpool come into this match unbeaten in their opening four league games, although they have only kept one clean sheet which came last time out at Burnley.
Newcastle lost their opening two league games but have taken a win and draw from their last two matches, whilst scoring in their last four in all competitions.
Stat Attack
- Liverpool have lost just one of their last seven meetings with Newcastle (W4, D2, L1).
- Newcastle have scored just three goals in their last five trips to Anfield, with their last two coming in the second half of a 2-2 draw in April 2016.
- Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has scored in each of his last three appearances against Newcastle.
- Roberto Firmino has produced 17 shots for Liverpool so far this season, more than any other player in the top flight.
- None of Newcastle’s three goals so far this season have come from outside the box.
Prediction
This should be an interesting clash between two teams who are impressive in contrasting areas.
I therefore am expecting a dominant Liverpool on the attack but if Newcastle continue their defensive performance, we could have a edgy game on our hands but Liverpool should scrape a win.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle United
Result: Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle United