Newcastle Head to Liverpool and Seek to Spring Surprise!

by
Carl
15. 12. 2021

First place plays 19th in the Premier League on Thursday evening. Can Newcastle cause a massive upset, or will the stars of Merseyside have too much for the Magpies?

Liverpool will be out to make it eight wins on the bounce in all competitions when they welcome Newcastle United to Anfield in the English Premier League (EPL) on Thursday night.

The Reds prevailed 1-0 against Aston Villa in their last game, while Eddie Howe’s team were defeated 4-0 at Leicester City.

Jürgen Klopp’s outfit now occupy 2nd position, with 37 points, 4 behind leaders, Manchester City, but with a game in hand. Meanwhile, Newcastle are 19th and level on points with rock-bottom, Norwich City.

Liverpool trio Harvey Elliot, Nat Phillips, and Curtis Jones remain out of contention, but there is hope that Divock Origi and Roberto Firmino may both be involved.

Even if Firmino is not considered ready to return from his hamstring problem, Diogo Jota will hope to earn a recall in attack, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain dropping down to the bench.

Klopp will ponder alterations before a meeting with Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend, with Kostas Tsimikas, Naby Keita, and Ibrahima Konaté all possibly making the XI.

Meanwhile, Newcastle did not pick up any fresh injury concerns in the defeat to Leicester, meaning that Paul Dummett is the Magpies‘ only absentee with his calf problem.

Manager, Eddie Howe, should therefore make a few changes with a near fully-fit squad to call on, ahead of meetings with both Manchester clubs. Miguel Almirón will potentially be sacrificed in order to welcome Ciaran Clark back from suspension to a five-man backline.

Isaac Hayden is also poised to strengthen the midfield if necessary, but Joe Willock has fond memories of playing at Anfield, so will not want to lose his spot for this fixture.