Liverpool vs Newcastle | Premier League | Pre Match

Liverpool vs Newcastle United has always been a fixture filled with drama, intensity, and high stakes, often producing memorable moments that are etched in the history of the Premier League. From the classic 4-3 encounters of the 1990s to more recent dominant displays by Liverpool, this matchup continues to captivate fans worldwide. As Newcastle visit Anfield once again, they find themselves facing a formidable opponent that has surged to an 11-point lead at the top of the league, making their task an uphill battle.

Throughout Premier League history, Liverpool has often had the upper hand in this fixture, especially in recent times. Newcastle, despite their aspirations for a top-four finish and a return to Champions League football, will have to contend with a Liverpool side that has been nearly unstoppable. Jurgen Klopp’s men head into this fixture with a 96.7% probability of lifting the title, and a victory over Newcastle would further cement their status as champions-elect.

Liverpool’s record in midweek fixtures is another daunting statistic for the visitors. Since suffering a three-match losing streak between January and March 2021, the Reds have triumphed in 12 consecutive midweek Premier League home games, outscoring opponents 35-6 in the process. Newcastle’s record against teams at the top of the league table further compounds their challenge. The Magpies have managed just one win in their last 27 Premier League matches against sides starting the day at the summit, their lone victory coming against Chelsea in December 2014 under Alan Pardew. More worryingly, Newcastle have never won an away match against the team leading the Premier League in 20 attempts, drawing five and losing 15.

Additionally, Newcastle’s struggles in midweek away matches are well-documented. Of their last 17 away games played on a Wednesday, they have suffered 13 defeats, managing only two victories against Bournemouth and West Ham. However, they have recently displayed resilience under the lights, winning their last two evening kick-offs against Manchester United and Wolves, signaling a potential shift in their fortunes in night games.

Yet, Anfield remains a fortress for Liverpool, a stadium where opposition teams often falter. The Reds have scored at least twice in each of their last 17 home games across all competitions. The last English team to achieve a longer scoring streak at home was Sunderland, who did so in 19 consecutive matches in 1935. This statistic underscores the challenge that awaits Newcastle as they attempt to secure a rare victory at Anfield.

In terms of individual brilliance, Mohamed Salah continues to be Liverpool’s talisman, showcasing extraordinary consistency and dominance. His 25th league goal of the season against Manchester City was followed by an assist for Dominik Szoboszlai, further cementing his reputation as one of the most impactful players in Europe. Salah has set numerous records, becoming the first player to both score and assist in 11 separate league games in a single season. The Egyptian forward has now contributed to 41 goals this campaign, closing in on the all-time Premier League record of 47, jointly held by Andrew Cole and Alan Shearer.

Salah’s record against Newcastle is particularly ominous for the Magpies. He has netted four goals in his last two league meetings with Newcastle, scoring braces in both. The last player to achieve multiple goals in three consecutive appearances against the same opponent was Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang against Burnley in 2019. The only Liverpool player to do so was Michael Owen, who managed it four times against Newcastle between 1998 and 2001. Furthermore, Salah is on the brink of another milestone—scoring 10+ goals at home and away in three different Premier League campaigns, a feat only previously achieved by Harry Kane.

On the other side, Newcastle will look to their own attacking prowess, particularly in Alexander Isak. The Swedish forward’s brace against Nottingham Forest took him to 50 Premier League goals in just 76 appearances, placing him among the fastest players to reach this milestone. Isak is now the highest-scoring Swede in Premier League history and remains crucial to Newcastle’s attacking ambitions. His performances away from home have been particularly noteworthy, with 10 of his league goals this season coming on the road. Only Andrew Cole (12 in 1993-94) and Alan Shearer (11 in 2001-02) have scored more away goals in a single campaign for Newcastle.

Despite the threat Isak poses, Newcastle’s recent history against Liverpool is concerning. Since their first Premier League visit to Anfield in 1994, where they won 2-0, Newcastle have failed to secure a victory in their last 28 league trips to Merseyside, drawing five and losing 23. Their overall record against Liverpool in recent years is similarly bleak, with their last win against the Reds coming in December 2015 under Steve McClaren. Since then, they have endured a 16-match winless run in this fixture.

The reverse fixture earlier this season at St James’ Park ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, demonstrating Newcastle’s ability to trouble Liverpool’s defense. However, replicating that performance at Anfield will require a near-perfect display from Eddie Howe’s men. If Newcastle are to challenge Liverpool, they must find a way to neutralize Salah’s influence while ensuring Isak receives sufficient service in attack. Additionally, Newcastle’s defense must remain disciplined, as any lapse in concentration could be ruthlessly punished by Liverpool’s clinical attack.

With both teams having potent offensive weapons, this contest promises goals and excitement. However, Newcastle’s historical struggles at Anfield, combined with Liverpool’s imperious form, suggest that the Reds remain overwhelming favorites. The Magpies will need a special performance to defy the odds and disrupt Liverpool’s title charge. As the two sides prepare to face off under the Anfield lights, the stage is set for another memorable Premier League encounter.