Big Game Focus: Newcastle United v Liverpool

 

Newcastle welcome Liverpool to St James’ Park on Saturday in a huge game in the Premier League that could have a say on the destiny of the title. The Reds head into this game after suffering a humiliating 3-0 defeat against Barcelona in the Champions League while Newcastle are on a good run with three defeats in their last ten matches. Here’s the Big Game Focus. Bet on the game here.

Newcastle have secured their Premier League status for next season. On Saturday they welcome Premier League contenders, Liverpool whose Champions League dream suffered a heavy blow on Wednesday.

The Magpies have lost just three matches in their last ten Premier League games. Moreover, they were the last team to beat Manchester City in the league, but can they inflict another defeat on the Reds?

Liverpool’s 3-0 loss away to Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final first leg ended their run of ten straight wins in all competitions. They have to win their last two league matches to have a chance of winning the title. Can they bounce back against a stubborn Magpies?

Betting preview

Liverpool have lost just one match in the Premier League this season. Phenomenal. They have beaten Newcastle in their last two meetings and the Magpies have beaten the Reds just once in their last five meetings. Therefore, you can back an Away Win at odds of 1.35.

Newcastle have failed to score only three times at home in their last ten league matches. Meanwhile, the visitors have found the back of the net in all but three of their league matches so far. Therefore you can back Both Teams to Score at odds of 1.95.

Golden Boot contender Mohamed Salah has scored two goals in three appearances against Newcastle. The Egyptian currently leads the goalscoring charts in the league with 21 goals. Odds of 2.00 Mohamed Salah as Anytime Goalscorer look appealing.

Team news

Ayoze Perez was forced off in the first half of Newcastle’s 1-1 draw with Brighton and remains a major doubt. Jamaal Lascelles will also be assessed, but Sean Longstaff, Florian Lejeune and Miguel Almiron will all miss out.

Naby Keita came off with a groin problem in the first half of Liverpool’s 3-0 loss at Barcelona and is not expected to be fit to feature on Saturday. Adam Lallana is Liverpool’s only other injury concern ahead of this trip.

Possible line-ups

Newcastle: Dubravka, Manquillo, Schar, Fernandez, Dummett, Ritchie, Kenedy, Shelvey, Hayden, Atsu, Rondon.

Liverpool: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Henderson, Milner, Salah, Mane, Firmino.