LIVERPOOL VS NEWCASTLE UNITED: PREVIEW

Liverpool take on Newcastle tomorrow night as they seek to build on the 9-0 thrashing of Bournemouth over the weekend. The Magpies will pose a far greater threat than the Cherries mustered up however. Here’s a preview of the game.

An uncharacteristic slow start to the season was rectified with a record equalling victory over Bournemouth on Saturday but Jürgen Klopp will know the real work starts now if they’re to make up for the points they’ve carelessly dropped.

Going forward, they will have to keep producing the ruthlessness they showed on Saturday, even if the scoreline can not be replicated. That level of hunger, desire and appetite to press hasn’t been visible enough this season.

It helps that they play at home again tomorrow night. With it being an 8pm kickoff (BST), we can expect the Kop to be in full voice. The atmosphere will be there for the Reds to live off and produce a performance to match on the pitch.

It is a chance to put a few wins together and Jürgen Klopp’s men acknowledge that. The injuries seem to be easing at the minute, and even with frustration around the lack of movement in the transfer window, the manager insists he’s got the squad to challenge.

It’s up to this group of players to rally together and prove the gaffer right. Newcastle will offer a very good test and it should be an intriguing game. The Magpies have come on in leaps and bounds since Eddie Howe took over.

More accurately, they’ve been one of the best sides in the land since they strengthened significantly in the January window. Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Matt Targett, Bruno Guimaraes and Chris Wood all walked through the door to steer the side to safety.

They’ve not slowed down on the transfer front this summer either, securing deals for Nick Pope, Sven Botman and striker Alexander Isak. The Swede has become the Magpies’ record signing following his move from Real Sociedad.

The Saudi takeover last year is already bearing fruit. An 11th placed finish last campaign was impressive considering the horrendous start they suffered under the guidance of Steve Bruce.

They’ve started this season well and showed all their potential in the exhilarating 3-3 draw against Manchester City last week. They will be chasing the European spots this season as they continue on their journey to the top.

Six points from their opening four league games is impressive considering the fact that they’ve taken in trips to Brighton and Wolves (two teams they will want to finish above), as well as hosting the reigning champions.

The Magpies remain unbeaten in their last six league fixtures, suffering just five defeats in twenty three Premier League matches in 2022. Those defeats came away to Chelsea, Spurs, City, Everton and at home to Jürgen Klopp’s side in April.

Jürgen Klopp has a good record against the Magpies. After suffering a loss in his first meeting on Tyneside, he’s gone on an 11 game unbeaten streak, winning seven and drawing four. The Reds completed a league double over Newcastle last season.

Jonjo Shelvey actually handed Eddie Howe’s men a shock lead at Anfield last season, before goals from Salah, Jota and Alexander-Arnold sealed a comeback victory.

Team News

There were a couple of welcome returns to fitness today as Joel Matip and Curtis Jones joined team training after overcoming injury. Summer signing Calvin Ramsay was also present as he closes in on full fitness.

That leaves Konaté, Keita, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Thiago and Diogo Jota on the treatment table. The latter duo are close to a return to training as well according to the manager. Darwin Nunez meanwhile serves the last game of his ban.

Klopp on injuries: “Jota can train from Thursday, Thiago slightly later. Ramsay is closer, Kelleher is walking outside for GK training, so yeah light at the end of the tunnel.”

Eddie Howe has his own injury concerns. Krafth (ligament), Shelvey and Wilson (hamstring) are definitely ruled out. Guimaraes, Trippier and Saint-Maximin will undergo late fitness tests whilst there’s a race against the clock to get Isak’s work permit through before the game.

Key Players

Roberto Firmino

The Brazilian responded to recent criticism with a Man of the Match display against Bournemouth, grabbing himself a brace and a hat trick of assists. When Bobby plays well, the team generally plays well. He will have to be at his best again tomorrow night.

Allan Saint-Maximin

The Frenchman has always been electric but seems to have made a step up in his development. His end product is improving, as shown by his 3 goal contributions (1 goal, 2 assists) in 4 appearances this season.

If fit, expect him to be the danger man.He ripped City to shreds last week before scoring a stunner at Wolves last time out.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

The 23 year old’s defending has been slack at times this season and will have to be absolutely spot on tomorrow night if he’s to keep Saint-Maximin quiet. He will still be expected to get forward and be the creative fulcrum of the side. Getting the balance right will be key.