In the Premier League’s early kick-off on Saturday, Liverpool welcome Newcastle United to Anfield.
Liverpool and Newcastle have dished up some memorable matches over the years, and this tie is widely regarded as a Premier League classic.
Remarkably, the two teams have faced each other 177 times, with Liverpool claiming 80 victories to Newcastle’s 50.
A 🧨 from @YCabayeofficiel!Yohan Cabaye sent Newcastle United into the lead with this fantastic strike back in November 2012 as the Magpies earned a 1-1 draw at @LFC.Relive that - and other memorable away encounters against the Reds - here: https://t.co/ui1Ivg0ENE #NUFC pic.twitter.com/hdeG5MAIvA— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) September 10, 2019
A 🧨 from @YCabayeofficiel!Yohan Cabaye sent Newcastle United into the lead with this fantastic strike back in November 2012 as the Magpies earned a 1-1 draw at @LFC.Relive that - and other memorable away encounters against the Reds - here: https://t.co/ui1Ivg0ENE #NUFC pic.twitter.com/hdeG5MAIvA
The Reds are the only top-flight team with a 100% record this season after winning all four of their opening matches.
In contrast, Newcastle have picked up four points from a possible twelve and will struggle to add to their points tally this weekend.
Liverpool have scored at an average of three goals per game so far while conceding just three goals this season.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have started the season in fantastic form and will be eager to make it five wins from five matches on Saturday.
Liverpool will still be without first-choice goalkeeper Alisson as he continues to recover from calf injury sustained in the Reds’ first match of the campaign.
On a brighter note, the team could be boosted by the return of Naby Keita against Newcastle after the midfielder missed Liverpool’s last few matches through injury.
As for Newcastle, Andy Carrol is close to a return after the international break but Allan Saint-Maximin and Dwight Gayle remain serious doubts.
Liverpool have the better of the recent head-to-head record and have not lost to Newcastle in their last five meetings.
Three wins and two draws in that time have conjured up an aggregate score line of 12-5 in favor of the Reds.
Newcastle have managed just two wins in their last twelve matches against Liverpool and the home team are the firm favorites again heading into this one.
It’s difficult to make a case for the Magpies coming away with anything from Saturday’s match. The team has looked somewhat disjointed this season as new boss Steve Bruce aims to find the right blend of players to get results.
On the other hand, Liverpool are looking equally as cohesive as last season and this doesn’t bode well for Bruce’s men.
Liverpool are set for a comfortable win this weekend and look likely to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
Forbet predicts that the home side will clinch a high-scoring victory, while also keeping a clean sheet.