Liverpool will host Newcastle United in the first match of the New Year in the Premier League. With their 2-0 victory over Burnley on Boxing Day, the Reds are poised to finish the season at the top of the rankings. The Magpies suffered a 3-1 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest.
Preview (Liverpool vs. Newcastle United)
In their thrilling pre-Christmas draw with leaders Arsenal, Liverpool’s wasted opportunities came back to haunt them. At Turf Moor, Darwin Nunez curled home a magnificent opener, chance after chance went begging. Vincent Kompany’s team was unable to take advantage of the opportunity. Diego Jota sealed a victory for Liverpool in the 90th minute with a shot from an extremely close angle.
Harvey Elliott and Cody Gakpo both had goals disallowed at Turf Moor. Klopp called it “insane”. Liverpool are currently holding first place after Arsenal’s shocking home loss to West Ham United a few days later. Arsenal can reclaim their position briefly by defeating Fulham on New Year’s Eve. The Lions would then go top if Aston Villa defeated Burnley by a ridiculous nine goals.
While Chris Wood’s incredible hat-trick of three exquisite left-footed goals startled St James’ Park and derailed the Boxing Day celebrations in the North East, Alexander Isak may have taken the lead from the penalty spot. However, it is unlikely that Howe’s team will go any lower at this point.
Team News
All six of Liverpool’s well-known injury concerns—Kostas Tsimikas (collarbone), Ben Doak (knee), Joel Matip (knee), Stefan Bajcetic (calf), Thiago Alcantara (hip), and Andrew Robertson (shoulder)—will be out for the start of 2024. In addition, Alexis Mac Allister, who is nearing recovery from a serious knee cut, will require evaluation by the medical staff. If well enough, he might make it onto the matchday roster, but a start is presumably out of the question.
Wataru Endo had a great December playing at number six. He will probably return to that position on New Year’s Day. However, Luis Diaz, Ibrahim Konate, and Dominick Szoboszlai should all be recalled after they were benched at Turf Moor. The remaining players are Nick Pope (shoulder), Jacob Murphy (shoulder), Harvey Barnes (foot), Jamaal Lascelles (groin), Elliott Anderson (back), Joe Willock (calf), and Matt Targett (thigh). Given the unexpected impact of the developing Lewis Miley, the Brazilian should put Sean Longstaff’s spot in the starting lineup in jeopardy.
Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle United
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