Liverpool vs Newcastle tips and predictions: Reds to mark New Year with goal-a-thon against Magpies

Seb Sternik
30 December 2023

Liverpool will be looking to kick off the New Year in style as they welcome an out-of-form Newcastle side to Anfield (2000GMT).

Whether it’s due to injuries, a fixture pile-up or some other force of nature, Newcastle are well and truly in the midst of their first major slump under Eddie Howe.

The Magpies have lost six of their last seven games across all competitions, conceding 14 goals along the way.

We don’t want to make excuses for Howe and his men, though to ignore the catalogue of problems would not be doing the manager much justice.

The ongoing injury crisis has undoubtedly been a major factor behind the slump in results. That, coupled with a relentless Christmas schedule, are not exactly ingredients for success.

Newcastle had eight fixtures in December, including matches with Man United, Everton, Tottenham, AC Milan and Chelsea.

Their last set-back came at home against Nottingham Forest as hat-trick hero Chris Wood decided to turn into a prime Ronaldo for 90 minutes as his side won 3-1.

Liverpool, who already boast a stellar record against Newcastle, will be licking their chops at the prospect of taking on the wounded Magpies.

The Reds have lost just one of their last 11 games and have scored eight goals across their last three outings alone.

With Jurgen Klopp’s men finding the back of the net with ease, we’re backing them to put serious hurt on Newcastle come Monday night.

The Merseyside outfit to score over 2.5 goals is our main selection. Liverpool to win and both teams to score is also a viable option.

Team news

Liverpool will be without Stefan Bajcetic, Joel Matip, Andy Robertson, Thiago Alcantara and Konstantinos Tsimikas for Monday’s fixture.

Alexis Mac Allister is a doubt and could join the sidelines.

Newcastle, on the other hand, are still missing a big proportion of their first team. Joe Willock, Matt Targett, Nick Pope, Jacob Murphy, Javier Manquillo, Harvey Barnes and Elliott Anderson are all out with injuries.

Sandro Tonali remains suspended while Jamaal Lascelles is a doubt for Monday’s trip to Merseyside.