Newcastle United vs Liverpool

St James’ Park forms the backdrop for a tasty-looking Premier League midweek clash between Newcastle United and Liverpool. 

Newcastle United couldn’t have hoped for a better start to November as they got the better of Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, steadying the ship following a dreadful five-game winless run in the Premier League prior (D2, L3). However, they’ve since stuttered, picking up just one point from their last two league outings, including a disheartening 2-0 home defeat to West Ham. St James’ Park has been a feeble fortress this season, with Eddie Howe’s side winning just 50% of their top-flight home fixtures (W3, D1, L2). Interestingly, four of the five games (won/lost) in that sequence saw the winning team keep a clean sheet, highlighting the importance of scoring the opening goal. Liverpool’s visit doesn’t bode well for the Magpies’ hopes of returning to winning ways, considering they’ve failed to win any of their last 15 H2Hs (D4, L11). 

On the other hand, Liverpool continued their dominant run under new boss Arne Slot with a dominant 2-0 home win against perennial Premier League champions Manchester City at the weekend, extending their winning streak in all competitions to seven matches. That was Slot’s 18th victory in 20 games in charge (D1, L1) and 11th in 13 top-flight games, four of which came in the last four rounds. Nine points clear at the table’s summit, they’re enjoying the most comfortable points lead over their nearest competitor at this stage of the Premier League season since 1993/94. Defensive resilience has been the Reds’ strong suit, as they’ve conceded a league-low eight goals in the first 13 matchdays. But it’s worth noting that they’ve capitulated precisely twice in their last three away outings.