Liverpool entered the Christmas break with a four-point lead over rivals Manchester City. The Reds are now in a serious stretch of games that will see them take on Newcastle followed by Arsenal and Manchester City.
By the end of Liverpool’s next three games, they could have an even further lead at the top of the table. But if Liverpool want to increase their position, they must first defeat former manager Rafael Benitez and Newcastle first.
Jurgen Klopp’s side saw off Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Molineaux Stadium in week 18. Liverpool were good, but not at their best against Wolves. With Benitez’s penchant to limit chances and play defensively, Liverpool could struggle to break down the Magpies. Liverpool take a 29-match home unbeaten streak into Boxing Day.
Home has been where the heart is this season for Klopp and company. Liverpool have won seven and drawn once in eight games at Anfield. Despite being top of the Premier League, the Reds have only scored the fourth most goals at home (18). However, Klopp’s defensively strong Reds have conceded just twice at Anfield. It is the league’s lowest mark.
Newcastle have won twice in their last six meetings against Liverpool. In fact, the Reds have won just two of those six affairs while two ended in draws. Last season, Liverpool won at Anfield but could only gain a draw away at St. James’ Park. Their 2017-18 Premier League matches saw two goals scored in both contests. The last five matches between the clubs have all see over 2.0 goal, however, just one game featured more than 3.0 goals. The good news for Liverpool is they have won 10 of their last 12 home matches against the Magpies in all competitions.
Klopp has had injuries to worry about in recent weeks. Most of his selection headaches have come in defence as Joel Matip and Joe Gomez both have long-term injuries. Right-back Trent Alexander Arnold has missed Liverpool’s last two matches, but could be in line for a return on Boxing Day. Nathaniel Clyne and James Milner played in place of Alexander-Arnold against Manchester United and Wolves, respectively. Both did outstanding jobs.
Liverpool could rest key players against Newcastle, at least from the start, due to the importance of the following fixtures. Forward Mohamed Salah has scored 11 goals this term and is just three goals behind his 2017-18 record after 18 matches. But Klopp could rest the Egyptian like he did against Burnley.
The Reds are flying high, and while Newcastle’s away form has been decent, they will win once more at home. Newcastle have scored just 14 times while Liverpool have conceded seven times. Alisson Becker will keep another clean sheet and Liverpool will win again at home.