Newcastle vs Liverpool Prediction, Odds and Lineups: Two bets at St James' Park

December brings a packed schedule of Premier League action as the season starts to take shape over the festive period. Tonight, we’re treated to six exciting matches, with one of the standout clashes coming at St James’ Park, where Newcastle will host Liverpool in what promises to be a compelling clash.

Newcastle have had a disappointing start to the season and currently sit 11th in the league. The most disappointing aspect of their campaign is their feeble attack, with Eddie Howe’s side scoring just 14 times.  

They come into this game off the back of a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace in which they recorded just one shot and scored through a Marc Guehi own goal. United also failed to score in a 0-2 home loss to West Ham, so they will dread facing a Liverpool side with the best defensive record in the league.  

Games at St James' Park have been low-scoring, with just ten goals in six matches, and another low-scoring affair could be in store on Wednesday.  

After Jürgen Klopp departed, Feyenoord manager Arne Slot was appointed as his successor. Many predicted a season of transition after a quiet summer window, but the Reds have far exceeded expectations and sit nine points clear at the top of the table.  

Liverpool have won their last seven games and 15 of their last 16 games, except a 2-2 draw at Arsenal. While Sunday’s game with Manchester City was billed as a crucial game in the title race, Liverpool swept aside the reigning 4-times champions with ease to showcase their title credentials.  

On the injury front, Alexander Isak was subbed in the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace but is set to be back fit. Long-term absentees Emil Krath, Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman remain out.  

Caoimhín Kelleher is expected to retain his place in goal. Conor Bradley, Diogo Jota, Federico Chiesa, Ibrahima Konate and Konstantinos Tsimikas.

While Newcastle have been underwhelming so far, one standout has been Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian has been a mainstay in the Geordie midfield, starting all 13 Premier League games.  

The 27-year-old is an all-action midfielder, winning a mammoth 3.97 fouls per 90 and making 1.79 fouls per 90. He has made a foul in 11 of his 13 starts, including the last nine matches. 

Liverpool will likely line up with a midfield three of Ryan Gravenberch, Ale Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, who win an average of 1.47, 1.36 and 0.84 fouls per 90.  

Szoboszlai, like Guimaraes, is a player not afraid to get stuck in. The Hungarian has made a foul in all 10 Premier League starts, averaging 1.59 per 90.  

Similarly to Liverpool, Newcastle will play a midfield three. Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joe Willock win an average of 3.24, 2.24 and 0.90 fouls per 90.  

We should see a scrappy midfield affair in front of a passionate St. James Park crowd, with Guimaraes and Szoboszlai at the centre of the action.

Mo Salah made it 18 goal contributions in 13 Premier League starts with a goal and an assist in the 2-0 win over Manchester City. The Egyptian has now scored or assisted in his last seven games as he chases the Golden Boot.  

His assist for Cody Gakpo’s goal showcased his creativity – a perfectly weighted ball to leave the Dutchmen with a tap-in. Playing against a Newcastle side with just three clean sheets to their name, the 32-year-old will fancy his chances of adding to his impressive tally.  

Anthony Gordon is no stranger to Liverpool, having come through the Everton academy, so the 23-year-old will have extra motivation for Wednesday’s game. He has had a shot in eight of his 12 starts, averaging 1.63 per match.

Newcastle vs Liverpool Lineups

Newcastle are sweating on the fitness of striker Alexander Isak who had to leave the pitch early against Crystal Palace. Dan Burn is expected to return.

Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konate, Diogo Jota, and Konstantinos Tsimikas are all out for Liverpool.

The starting lineups for Newcastle vs Liverpool will be displayed in the graphic below.