Liverpool vs Newcastle: Premier League Preview, Team Updates & Key Stats
Liverpool and Newcastle United are set to clash in a highly anticipated Premier League match. This fixture holds significant historical context, particularly for Liverpool, who have been dominant against Newcastle in recent years.
Liverpool’s Strong Record Against Newcastle
Liverpool remains unbeaten in their last 18 Premier League meetings with Newcastle, boasting 13 wins and 5 draws. The last defeat came in December 2015 when they lost 2-0 away from home.
Newcastle has struggled on their visits to Anfield, failing to secure a victory in their last 29 Premier League away games at Liverpool. Their record stands at 5 draws and 24 losses, which matches their longest winless streak against any team in league history.
Potential for Historical Milestones
The upcoming game presents Liverpool with the chance to complete a Premier League double over Newcastle for the 12th time. This would set a record for the most doubles achieved against a single opponent in the league, currently at 11 alongside West Ham.
Current Form: Liverpool’s Struggles
Despite their historical advantage, Liverpool is currently experiencing a difficult period. They have gone five Premier League games without a win, recording 4 draws and a single loss. This marks their longest winless streak within a season since the 2002-03 campaign.
A disconcerting statistic for Liverpool fans is that they could fail to win any of their first six league fixtures of a calendar year for the first time since 1954, a year that ended with relegation.
Goal Scoring Challenges
Since their 4-2 victory over Bournemouth at the season’s opening, Liverpool has not scored more than twice in their last 10 home games. This season, they are averaging 1.45 goals per game at Anfield, their lowest since the 2011-12 season.
Newcastle’s Offensive Woes
- Newcastle has had difficulties away from home, failing to score in 6 of their matches to date.
- Only Sunderland and Wolves have more away matches without scoring this season.
- 70% of Newcastle’s away goals have come from their two victories, including a notable 4-1 win at Everton and a 3-1 victory at Burnley.
Key Players to Watch
Mohamed Salah continues to be a standout for Liverpool. He is involved in more Premier League goals against Newcastle than any other opponent, with a total of 19, comprising 10 goals and 9 assists. An assist against Newcastle will make him the first player in Premier League history to reach double figures in both goals and assists against a single team.
Additionally, Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai leads the league in shots from outside the box with 33 attempts. His shooting percentage from distance is also the highest among players with at least 25 attempts.
For Newcastle, Bruno Guimarães has excelled, leading the league in defensive line-breaking passes with 35. His ability to create chances from deep positions is pivotal for Newcastle’s attacking play.
This match promises to be essential for both teams as they vie for crucial points in the Premier League standings, particularly Liverpool as they look to halt their winless streak.
