Overview
Liverpool are showing extremely impressive form in the 2024-2025 season. In round 13, they easily won 2-0 against the defending champion Man City. That was the 7th consecutive victory and also the 16th unbeaten match in all competitions for the "Red Brigade".
The Kop currently have the second best attack in the Premier League this year with 26 goals after 13 matches, just behind Tottenham's 28. However, Liverpool have a much better defense than Tottenham.
With eight goals conceded, they are currently the only defence in the league to have conceded less than 10. With their current form, visiting Newcastle is clearly not a problem for coach Arne Slot's team.
Newcastle have been inconsistent this season. They have been able to beat teams in good form such as Nottingham, Arsenal and Chelsea, but have been easily troubled by lower-ranked teams such as West Ham and Crystal Palace.
The reason comes from Newcastle's uncreative midfield. They lack a player who can make highly unpredictable passes. Therefore, coach Eddie Howe's team is only suitable for fast counter-attacking play.
Facing a Liverpool team that is rated much higher, Newcastle will return to their signature defensive counter-attacking style. Because Liverpool, with their form on the rise, will continue to pursue their strong attacking and controlling style of play. Overall, it will be difficult for Newcastle to stand firm against the pressure that Liverpool creates.
Liverpool have an impressive head-to-head record against Newcastle, unbeaten in their last 15 meetings. We have to go back to 2015 to see the Magpies' last win against their rivals, a 2-0 victory at St James' Park.
Human resources situation
Newcastle will be without Isak, while defenders Emile Kraft, Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelle are still unavailable.
On the other side of the front line, Liverpool defenders Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konate will be absent again after having to sit out the match against Man City.
Expected lineup:
Newcastle: Pope, Livramento, Burn, Schar, Hall, Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton, Longstaff, Barnes, Gordon.
Liverpool: Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones, Diaz, Salah, Nunez.
The match between Newcastle and Liverpool takes place at 2:30 am on December 5 (Vietnam time).
