Newcastle United vs Liverpool preview
After two game weeks of the 2023-23 Premier League season, we are starting to get a glimpse of how competitive it will be this season. In fact, the race for the top four involves so many teams that fans can expect at least one high-profile clash every week. Last week, it was Tottenham vs Manchester United and Manchester City vs. Newcastle. The latter of these two games turned out to be a narrow 1-0 win for Manchester City. Newcastle played brilliantly but need to quickly get together as they welcome Liverpool to St. James Park.
The two teams have started the season strongly, but currently, the Magpies have a far better squad all across the pitch. Despite playing brilliantly over the two games, Liverpool have been caught napping by the opposition’s attack on several occasions. The major reason for this has been the absence of a world-class number six. This season, two defensive midfielders have sold for over €100 million, and Liverpool were involved in both transfers but failed to sign any of the two. Jude Bellingham went to Real Madrid, while Moises Caicedo refused to join the Reds even after Brighton & Hove Albion had accepted their transfer proposal.
Despite that, their attack and the midfield duo of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have ensured that the team suffers the least. On the other hand, Newcastle United appear as an even tougher force than last season. The club started the season in style, beating Aston Villa 5-1, with Alexander Isak scoring a brace and debutants Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes also getting on the scoresheet.
And although they lost the next game, it was perhaps the most challenging fixture of their entire season, and even then, they gave Manchester City a run for their money. In just one-and-a-half seasons, Eddie Howe has managed to turn the team into a top force in England. And with the club also set to play in the Champions League after two decades, things are looking pretty good.
However, facing Liverpool even at home is no mean task, as the Reds have repeatedly shown. With both teams playing an attacking brand of football, fans can expect a highly entertaining clash with plenty of chances at both ends.
Newcastle United vs Liverpool lineups
Newcastle lineup
Over the summer, Newcastle United added Tonali, Barnes and Tino Livramento, further strengthening their squad depth. Newcastle require this due to the additional set of games that will come in the Champions League. However, Eddie Howe has played the same starting 11 in the two games despite this. With Premier League clubs now allowed to make five substitutions, Howe has had the flexibility to give appropriate rest to his attackers. And with the performances of the two games, the same lineup is expected for the match against Liverpool.
Newcastle predicted lineup: Pope; Burn, Botman, Schar, Trippier; Joelinton, Guimaraes, Tonali; Gordon, Isak, Almiron
Liverpool lineup
Jurgen Klopp had a significant headache after the 3-1 win over Bournemouth, which saw Mac Allister receive a sending-off. However, after the game, Liverpool had made it clear that they would appeal against the decision. Their appeal was successful, which means that Mac Allister does not have to serve a three-game suspension. This means that even Liverpool might go with the same starting 11 for the game. And they will need to be at their best against a rampant Newcastle if they want to take some points away from the game.
Liverpool predicted lineup: Becker; Robertson, Van Dijk, Konate, Alexander Arnold; Gakpo, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Diaz, Jota, Salah
Newcastle United vs Liverpool predictions
After 19 games in the Premier League, one thing has become clear: there will be some surprising results throughout the season. Manchester United, who finished the season in style in third place, look like a shadow of themselves with their lacklustre display against Tottenham. Meanwhile, the game between City and Newcastle and that of Liverpool and Chelsea saw some breathtaking football from both sides.
However, seeing Newcastle’s and Liverpool’s performances so far, fans can expect a lot of attacking football, but whether that will translate to a scoring fest between the two front three remains to be seen.
FootTheBall predicts a 1-1 draw.
