Liverpool v Newcastle United Betting Preview

Back Liverpool to dent Newcastle’s survival hopes with a win

Liverpool

Unbeaten in their last six in all competitions, Liverpool have finally found some consistency under Jurgen Klopp. The Anfield club are currently seventh in the Premier League table with 54 points, seven off a Champions League place with a game in hand over their top-seven rivals. The Reds have recently found their form in front of goal, netting 14 times in their last four games, and their stunning 4-3 win over Borussia Dortmund last week provided a show of class in the final third.

Klopp’s men have scored four goals in each of their last three games at Anfield with a number of different goal scorers highlighting the club’s strength in depth. Liverpool haven’t lost at home in the league since Manchester United inflicted a 1-0 defeat on their bitter rivals back in January, and the Reds have since won three and drawn two in the league at Anfield. With a Europa League semi-final first leg against Villarreal coming up on Thursday, Klopp may choose to rest some of his big players, however I’m still backing Liverpool to win the game and make Premier League survival all that more difficult for Newcastle.

Newcastle United

Two weeks ago Newcastle’s hopes of staying in the Premier League looked all but over, but a 3-0 win over Swansea City followed by a vital point at home to Manchester City on Tuesday has given the Tyneside club hope in their quest to maintain their position in England’s top division. Rafa Benitez’s men have only lost two of their last five games and are now only two points behind Norwich City, who sit two places above them in the Premier League table. A win against Liverpool, as unlikely as it seems, could make the Magpies the favourites of the three teams fighting the drop to stay up.

Despite their recent run of good form, Newcastle’s away record is very poor. Benitez’s side have lost nine of their last ten games away from St James’ Park and have only won twice away from home in the league all season. The Magpies have also conceded in all but one of their last nine games, and it’s unlikely that they’ll be able to keep out an in-form Liverpool side on Saturday afternoon. As much as the players will motivated to produce a good performance, I can’t see Newcastle taking anything away from this game.

Head-to-Head

Newcastle’s record against Liverpool in recent years is reasonably impressive, winning four of the last 11 meetings between the two sides (Liverpool 5, Draw 2). The Magpies also won the reverse fixture 2-0 back in December, making it two wins in their last three against the Merseyside club. However, they haven’t beaten Liverpool twice in a row since the 1993/94 season, and I don’t think they’ll end that run on Saturday.

To score – Daniel Sturridge 4/5

Despite only making 14 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions this season, Daniel Sturridge is the club’s second-highest scorer behind Philippe Coutinho on ten goals. The England forward has scored in his side’s last three Premier League games, and also has four goals to his name against Newcastle for the Anfield club. I can see Sturridge bagging at least one goal on Saturday afternoon, and you can pick up odds of 4/5 for him to do so.

Both teams to score – Yes 13/20

It hasn’t been the case in the last three meetings between the two sides, but there’s plenty to suggest that both teams will score on Saturday. Liverpool have found the net in each other their last nine home games, whereas Newcastle, who have scored in their last two away from St James’ Park, have netted eight goals in their last five Premier League fixtures. I’m backing odds of 13/20 for both sides to score.

Match odds – Liverpool 3/5

The home side are odds-on favourites to win the tie, and it’s not surprising when considering their recent form. I recommend backing odds of 3/5 for Liverpool to make it five wins on the bounce. Newcastle will be fighting for Premier League survival, and a win would be priceless in their bid to stay in the top flight, and you can back odds of 19/4 for the away side to pick up a surprising victory. The draw is priced at 17/5, but this has only happened in two of the last 21 meetings between the two.

Writer’s Prediction: Liverpool 3 – 1 Newcastle United

*Odds correct at the time of publication, click here for all the latest odds on upcoming football matches.