Liverpool vs Newcastle Utd Preview
Good Day fellow Reds!! Saturday night, under the lights of the Geordie Shore, the Reds look to reclaim the top spot on the table. Standing in their way will be Rafa the Gaffa and his thirteenth place club, which sits on forty two points. The Magpies are currently eleven points in safety, but twelve points out of Europe. So other than players playing for their contracts or an opportunity elsewhere next year, their season is pretty much over. It is imperative to take the three points and switch the pressure back to Abu Dhabi F.C., who take on the Fightin Brendan Rogers’ on Monday. The weather appears to be perfect with temps in the mid forties with clear skies at kickoff.
Injuries and Suspensions
After Naby’s injury at the Nou Camp, which will see him out around two months, there’s not much new to report. Bobby made an appearance in the second half on Wednesday. When asked about his availability for tomorrow, Klopp said “We will see.” Gomez featured against Barca, and The Ox made the bench and a cameo the match before. Klopp was also quoted as saying about Ox that “It’s perfect that he’s back.” “We will see. It’s very good that Ox is there and he will be for sure in the squad. Then we have to make a decision who starts.”
For Newcastle, Ayoze Perez who is the club’s leading scorer with eleven goals is “fine”. Jamaal Lascelles is also back in contention, but US international DeAndre Yedlin is doubtful for his final match in a home shirt at St. James Park.
Previous Form
Liverpool’s form in its previous five league matches is as follows: W. (5-0 Huddersfield), W. (2-0 Cardiff), W. (2-0 Chels), W. (3-1 SoTon), W. (2-1 Spurs). Which is good enough to take a perfect fifteen from fifteen points.
Newcastle’s form in its previous five league matches is as follows: D. (1-1 BHA), W. (3-1 SoTon), W. (1-0 Lei), L. (0-1 CP), L. (0-2 Ars). Which gives them less than 50% of the points at seven of fifteen.
Lineup and Prediction
In Goal, Alisson will bounce back in net. The back four takes it’s familiar form in TAA, Matip, VVD, and Robbo. The midfield asks some questions, but at the end of the day, I think it will be Fab, Hendo, and I really feel that Ox will be getting his first run of the year. I think the front three will consist of Mo, Mane, and I think that Origi gets the start over Bobby. Only because I feel that Klopp thinks that we still have a chance on Tuesday, and would love to have Bobby available to start that match at home, so why risk him on Saturday.
While it’s still a tough ask on the road, expect the Reds to take this fixture 3-0, if not more. Based on the stats from Wednesday, there’s nothing to suggest that the scoreline from Wednesday will carry over into this fixture.
Look for Sadio to get a goal and assist and take MOTM.
Guys, we have three if not four matches left. This season has left us able to dream. In a worst case scenario, we don’t lift a trophy this season, but have laid the groundwork for seasons going forward.
YOU MAY SAY THAT I’M A DREAMER, BUT I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE.
Y.N.W.A.
-Hooch-