Newcastle United look to end a solid campaign on a high as they welcome league champions – Liverpool to St James’ Park.
Newcastle could be assured of a 13th placed finished with at least a draw depending on how Crystal Palace fare against Tottenham, whereas Liverpool aim to end this season with their highest-ever Premier League points tally.
Team News
Embed from Getty ImagesSean Longstaff and Isaac Hayden could return for Newcastle if they both pass late fitness tests on hamstring injuries, alongside Emil Krafth who suffered a knock to his ankle in a goalless draw at Brighton on Monday.
Florian Lejeune (fitness) is unlikely to feature but Ciaran Clark, Jamaal Lascelles (both ankle) and Fabian Schar (shoulder) remain ruled out.
Liverpool have no fresh injury concerns as Joel Matip and Jordan Henderson remain absent with respective foot and knee injuries.
Stat Attack
- Newcastle are winless in their last six meetings against Liverpool (D2, L4).
- Liverpool have won just one of their last five trips to Newcastle (W1, D2, L2).
- Mohamed Salah has scored in each of his last four Liverpool appearances against Newcastle.
- Newcastle are unbeaten in their last five final day games (W5), scoring 17 goals and conceding just once.
- Liverpool are unbeaten in four of their last five final day matches (W3, D1, L1), with the draw and loss coming away at West Brom and Stoke in 2016 and 15 respectively.
Prediction
With nothing really riding on this match and Liverpool out of Champions League, we should be in for a good game if Newcastle bring their attacking game rather than defensive tactics.
Liverpool however were absolutely sharp against Chelsea in midweek so if they turn up and play like that, this could be embarrassing for Newcastle but the Magpies have a solid final day record in recent seasons compared to the Reds’ such away final day form.
I therefore am expecting goals here with Newcastle’s recent strong final day record about to be ended.
Prediction: Newcastle United 1-3 Liverpool
Result: Newcastle United 1-3 Liverpool