Liverpool will take on Newcastle this Saturday, with both teams striving for a strong start to secure a top-four finish in the English Premier League. Currently, Liverpool is sixth in the league standings with a record of 10 wins, 6 losses, and 7 draws, while Newcastle sits in ninth place with 9 wins, 6 losses, and 8 draws. In their recent Champions League matchup, Liverpool dominated Azerbaijani club Qarabagh with a 6-0 victory on Wednesday. However, their Premier League form has been disappointing this January, with four draws, one loss, and a recent setback of 3-2 against Bournemouth. Conversely, Newcastle’s recent outings included a loss to Paris Saint-Germain (2-0) followed by a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa, even though they managed a decent 3-0-1 record in the league last month.
The match at Anfield is scheduled to kick off at 3 PM ET. Betting odds indicate that Liverpool is favored at -125 (wager $125 to win $100), with Newcastle as the underdogs at +310 (wager $100 to win $310). The odds for a draw stand at +310, and total goals are set at an over/under of 2.5 (over -165, under +130). For ongoing updates on the match, SportsLine has the latest results.
Before placing any bets for this EPL clash, soccer expert Martin Green’s insights are worth considering. Green, who has transitioned from the sports betting industry to a professional sportswriter and handicapper, has had successful predictions in various competitions, including Euro Qualifiers and the Champions League.
Here are Green’s top picks for the Liverpool vs. Newcastle clash on Saturday, January 31st:
- Liverpool win (-125): 1 unit
- Both teams to score + 2.5 goals or more (-110): 0.5 units
Liverpool is eager to reclaim their form following a disappointing loss to Bournemouth when they face Newcastle. Despite a strong showing in the Champions League, their league performance has faltered, with five matches without a win. They will be keen to restore their winning streak at home against a resilient Newcastle side that focuses on counter-attacking football.
The Reds had been unbeaten for 13 matches until the setback against Bournemouth, and their recent performance has simply not met expectations. They are currently 14 points behind league leaders Arsenal and are grappling for a top-four finish. After winning the Premier League title last season, their current record of 10 wins, 6 draws, and 7 losses marks a stark decline, averaging just 1.57 points per game this season compared to 2.21 last season.
Issues have arisen with players like Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, who have both seen a decline in their performance as they age. New signings are struggling to adapt during their absence, further complicating Liverpool’s campaign.
Anfield typically serves as a fortress for Liverpool, but this season they have faced challenges at home with just six wins, three draws, and two losses, performing worse than nine other clubs. However, the massive 6-0 victory over Qarabagh earlier this week might elevate their confidence. Players like Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike showed promising form in that match.
Defensive issues persist with injuries sidelining right-backs Conor Bradley and Jeremy Frimpong. Ibrahima Konate is expected to return, and Joe Gomez may be unavailable, meaning the Reds might need to employ alternative players.
Meanwhile, Newcastle recently concluded a seven-game unbeaten streak with a loss to Aston Villa, placing them just three points behind Liverpool in the standings. They followed it with a draw against Paris Saint-Germain, a result that prevented them from advancing directly to the Champions League knockout stages, resulting in extra play-off fixtures that could strain their squad.
Newcastle’s record away from home has also been poor this season, with only two wins in 11 matches. Although they won against Liverpool in the EFL Cup last season, they have lost their previous four league encounters at Anfield.
Earlier this season, Liverpool secured a 3-2 triumph over Newcastle, having won seven of their last nine encounters. As both teams face defensive challenges, the outcome may be close, but fatigue from Newcastle’s recent matches could prove detrimental.
Given Newcastle’s emphasis on high-energy football and aggressive pressing, their performance may suffer if they tire out. The toll from the midweek game could slow them down, giving Liverpool an advantage they will likely capitalize on.
Fan Take: This match is crucial not only for both teams’ aspirations to finish in the top four but also for large fanbases eager to see their clubs return to their winning ways. A win for Liverpool could reignite their hopes, while a strong performance from Newcastle would reinforce their resilience amid fixture congestion, showcasing the competitive spirit in the Premier League this season.
