Liverpool - Newcastle United predictions and free betting tips [01/01/2024]

On Monday, 1st January, as part of the 20th round of the Premier League, Liverpool will host Newcastle at their home ground. Thanks to a victory over Burnley with a 2:0 score on Boxing Day, The Reds has firmly taken their place at the top of the league table, while The Magpies sensationally lost 1:3 at home to Nottingham Forest last week.

Predicted Line-up

Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez; Soboszlai, Endo, Gravenberch; Salah, Gakpo, Nuñez.
Newcastle United: Dubravka; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Bern; Joelinton, Gimaraes, Miley; Almiron, Isak, Gordon.

Stadium

The match will take place in Liverpool at the Anfield Stadium.

Liverpool

Following an unsuccessful last season, Liverpool is regaining its former strength and is now a favourite in the title race. Following Arsenal's defeat to West Ham last Thursday, The Reds topped the table with 42 accumulated points. Jurgen Klopp's team has been in great shape in recent weeks, unbeaten since the end of September. After two draws - with Manchester United (0:0) and Arsenal (1:1) – The hosts overpowered Burnley (0:2). Darwin Nunez put Liverpool ahead, after which the referee cancelled two goals by "Clarets," and Diogo Jota sealed the victory in the 90th minute. After victories in each of the 11 opening home games of the new season, Liverpool has slowed its pace with a couple of draws. However, since 2005, Liverpool has never suffered a defeat on January 1. 

Liverpool still lacks some key players like left-back Robertson, world champion midfielder Mac Allister, veterans Matip and Thiago Alcantara, and promising midfielder Baijetic - all are currently injured. Last weekend, Greek player Tsimikas, who became a regular starter after Robertson's injury, joined the ranks of the absence. Fortunately, Jurgen Klopp can still rely on star attackers like Egyptian Salah (11 goals and 7 assists), Portuguese Diogo Jota (5 goals), and Uruguayan Darwin Nunez (5 goals). In contrast, Newcastle earned a Champions League berth last season, which yielded decent results but ultimately had to settle for 4th place in a highly competitive group, falling behind Borussia Dortmund, PSG, and Milan. The Magpies are struggling to complete the year 2023 due to a series of injuries. After a spectacular win over Fulham (3:0), Eddie Howe's proteges suffered setbacks against Luton (1:0) and Nottingham Forest (1:3) midweek – their fourth defeat in the last five rounds. Alexander Isak put The Magpies ahead with a penalty kick, but then Chris Wood showcased a hat-trick, delivering three impressive left-footed shots. The calendar also doesn't favour the visitors: in January, they will face Aston Villa and Manchester City, as well as a third round FA Cup match against Sunderland at the Tyneside.

Newcastle is looking to break their four-match winless away streak. The team cannot rely on some of their key players, including first-choice goalkeeper Pope, and experienced players Anderson, Murphy, Willock, Barnes, Manquillo, and Targett. Meantime, the Italian midfielder Tonali continues to serve a lengthy suspension for illegal betting. Lasselles and Joelinton may return to the starting lineup after a midweek rest; assured starters in the attack will be winger Almiron (3 goals), forwards Wilson (7 goals), and Isak (8 goals), young Gordon (6 goals) might be brought in the second half to boost the game. Howe may also replace Bern with Tino Livramento in the center of the defense following their disastrous result against Forest.

Head-to-head

Last season, The Magpies lost 2:1 at Anfield owing to Fabio Carvalho's late goal and suffered a similar defeat at St. James' Park in August.

Match prediction for Liverpool – Newcastle

Liverpool's conversion odd moments has been a concern for Jurgen Klopp, but at Anfield they have been unbeatable for over a year. Given the injury crisis The Magpies are experiencing, it wouldn't be a surprise to see yet another victory for The Reds. Hence, my bet is a Liverpool handicap -1.