Liverpool vs Newcastle United: Match preview, predicted line-ups, team news and prediction

Liverpool will aim to end their five-game winless run in the Premier League when they take on Newcastle United at Anfield on Saturday.

The Reds suffered a last-gasp 3-2 loss at Bournemouth last weekend, dropping outside the top four.

Newcastle lost 2-0 at home to Aston Villa, ending a four-game unbeaten league run.

Match preview

Liverpool thrashed Qarabag 6-0 in the Champions League in midweek, sealing automatic qualification to the round of 16.

The Reds must now build on that momentum to arrest their poor league form and prevent missing out on Champions League qualification.

Liverpool have lost twice at home in the league this season, picking up 21 points from 11 games played on their patch.

Manager Arne Slot needs to strike a balance between defensive solidity and attacking rhythm for Liverpool to string results together.

Newcastle arrive for this clash on the back of a 1-1 draw with holders Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, which booked their place in the knockout round play-offs.

The Magpies have won just twice on the road in the Premier League this season and have a poor record at Anfield, with only one victory in their last 30 visits.

However, the hosts have struggled against teams that deploy a low-block – an approach Newcastle are likely to use here – potentially giving them a chance to secure a positive result.

Team news

Liverpool’s injury list became lengthier after Jeremie Frimpong came off injured against Qarabag. He joins Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Alexander Isak on the sidelines.

Curtis Jones’ availability is uncertain, having missed Wednesday’s game due to injury. Ibrahima Konate is still on leave following his father’s death.

Fabian Schar, Joelinton, Emil Krafth and Tino Livramento are all sidelined through injury for the Magpies.

Predicted starting line-up

Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson Becker, Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez, Alexis McAllister, Dominic Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike.

Newcastle (4-3-3): Nick Pope, Lewis Miley, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, Lewis Hall, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Jacob Ramsey, Antony Gordon, Nick Woltemade, Harvey Barnes.

Prediction

We predict a 2-2 draw.

Stats from whoscored.com & transfermarkt.com.