Newcastle United vs Liverpool
Liverpool failed to add to their lead atop the Premier League table as they were surprisingly held to a 1-1 draw at home to second-from-bottom West Bromwich Albion.
The Reds were fortunate that many of their other top title rivals like Tottenham and Chelsea also slipped up recently, but they cannot afford another miscue when they visit St. James’ Park to face Newcastle in their last game of the year.
The Premier League 2020 betting odds will still be overwhelmingly in the Reds’ favour, but given their recent struggles against sides in and around the relegation zone, are Liverpool a lock for the win?
Talking Points
Newcastle plan not working
Newcastle will not be in the best of form heading into this match against the champions. They have lost three of their last four matches: They suffered a heavy 5-2 defeat away to Leeds, were knocked out of the EFL Cup by Championship side Brentford, and were handily dispatched 2-0 by Manchester City over the weekend.
Manager Steve Bruce opted to hand top scorer Callum Wilson a much-needed rest against City. The 28-year-old striker had started each of Newcastle’s last five games since returning from injury and had two goals and two assists during that time.
Wilson is likely to return to the starting line-up for Newcastle, which should be a major boost to their attack. Wilson is having a terrific first season for the club with 8 goals and 3 assists in 12 appearances.
However, captain Jamaal Lascelles and winger Allan Saint-Maximin are still out due to long-term effects of COVID and are unlikely to feature against Liverpool.
Newcastle ceded 75 per cent of possession against Man City and will likely be willing to give up possession of the ball against Liverpool to play their preferred deep defensive formation.
That style has seen mixed results against the big sides this season. They were able to draw away at Tottenham early in the season and won 2-1 against Everton, but they also lost 4-1 to Manchester United, 2-0 to Chelsea, and 2-0 to City.
Liverpool struggling against weaker opposition
Liverpool’s perfect record at Anfield this season finally came to an end as they could only draw 1-1 against relegation-threatened West Brom.
Semi Ajayi’s 82nd-minute equaliser stole a point for Sam Allardyce’s side. Allardyce was also the last manager to beat Liverpool at Anfield back in 2017.
That draw against West Brom adds to Liverpool’s surprisingly poor Premier League 2020 results against clubs down the table. They were also held to draws away at Brighton and Fulham.
Despite having more-or-less the best side they could put out along with a full week’s rest, the Reds could only muster two shots on target out of 17 total shots and a whopping 78 per cent possession against the Baggies.
But at least the West Brom match will have given Liverpool a preview of what they will be going up against at Newcastle, and they can make some adjustments accordingly.
Mohamed Salah’s impressive streak of five straight games with a goal finally came to an end against West Brom. But the Premier League’s leading scorer (13 goals) will not be short of chances to add to his tally against Newcastle.
Similarly, Sadio Mane will also be full of confidence as he’s now scored in each of his last two games after going nine games without a goal.
History
Liverpool and Newcastle have a long and storied history of Premier League matches in the 90s. But the Geordies have declined in recent years, which has opened the door for Liverpool to dominate this matchup.
The Reds have won each of their last five Premier League meetings with Newcastle and are unbeaten in their last seven.
Liverpool did the double over Newcastle last season with matching 3-1 defeats. On both occasions, Newcastle took an early lead, but on both occasions, Liverpool stormed back to win.
Betting Tip
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Newcastle United vs Liverpool | Liverpool Asian Handicap -1.50 @ 1.84 |
| December 31, 04:00 (GMT+8) |
Despite their struggles against lower-half sides of late, SBOTOP odds still have Liverpool installed as overwhelming 1.28 favourites over Newcastle, who are priced at an astronomical 9.25 to win at home. Meanwhile, a draw is 5.60.
It’s just hard to see Liverpool dropping points in consecutive games against subpar opposition. The champions will likely come out with a point to prove after their disappointing showing at West Brom and should have more than enough to beat Newcastle by a rather comfortable margin at St. James’ Park.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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