Newcastle vs Liverpool: Premier League team news and prediction

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle welcome Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool in the Saturday evening kick-off. Newcastle are one of four sides in Europe’s top five leagues with only one domestic league loss so far this season, but that one defeat did come against the Reds back in August. 

Ahead of this one, we provide the necessary pre-match information, including where to watch the top of the table clash, team news and probable XIs. 

When is kick off?       

Saturday 18th February, 17:30 GMT

Where is the match?       

St James’ Park, Newcastle 

What TV channel is it on?       

Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League 

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Recent Form 

Newcastle extended their unbeaten streak in the Premier League to 17 matches with a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth. It was however their third draw in a row, bringing them to 11 for the league season, which means they have now drawn more than they have won games in the Premier League this season (10). 

Liverpool secured their first league win in five matches and also their first of 2023 with a 2-0 win in the Merseyside derby on Monday. They have only taken home all three points on their travels in the league this season on two occasions. 

Team news 

Emil Krafth, Javier Manquillo and Matt Targett all remain on the sidelines through injury, while Bruno Guimaraes continues to serve his suspension. A number of players came off with injuries against Bournemouth, including Joe Willock, who is set to miss out, Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin, with the latter two likely to be fine to take part here. Callum Wilson missed out against the Cherries, so is a doubt owing to a hamstring injury. Jamal Lascelles should return to the squad for this game after missing the last match for personal reasons. 

Liverpool welcomed back a number of players against Everton, including Virgil van Dijk, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino, but remain without Arthur, Luis Diaz and Ibrahima Konate, while Thiago looks set to be out for a number of weeks with a hip injury. 

Probable XIs 

Newcastle (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Almiron, Longstaff, Joelinton; Gordon, Isak, Saint Maximin 

Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Gomez, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Bajcetic; Salah, Gakpo, Nunez 

Key battle: Kieran Trippier vs Trent Alexander-Arnold 

Two of England’s full-backs go head-to-head with both sides eager to claim maximum points, both for differing reasons, as we reach a pivotal stage in the season.

Kieran Trippier has been by far one of the most influential players in an attacking sense this season, registering the second most key passes (65) in Europe’s top five leagues, while also notching up with four assists. Off the ball, he ranks 11th in the Premier League for possession won in the midfield third (67).

Trent Alexander-Arnold may not have been at his usual best this season, but he still ranks among the top ten of outfielders in the league for accurate longballs (97), his distribution one of his stronger attributes, while his 23 interceptions ranks 15th in the Premier League.

This game will likely be played at quite a high tempo, and these English right-backs will both play a major role at both ends of the pitch at St. James' Park.

Score prediction: Newcastle 1-1 Liverpool