Liverpool vs Newcastle United: Match Preview, Latest Team News and How to Watch

Liverpool Seek League Reset as Newcastle Visit Anfield

The Premier League’s race for Europe sharpens on Saturday evening as Liverpool welcome Newcastle to Anfield, a fixture heavy with consequence for two sides navigating momentum, injuries and expectation. For Liverpool, this is about restoring domestic traction. For Newcastle, it is about sustaining belief after a demanding continental week.

Arne Slot’s Liverpool arrive bruised by a stoppage time defeat at Bournemouth that loosened their grip on the top five, allowing Manchester United and Chelsea to edge ahead. The setback extended a frustrating league sequence. Liverpool have not won a Premier League match since the turn of the year, drawing four and losing one, a run that sits awkwardly alongside far more convincing displays elsewhere.

There has been fluency in other competitions. Barnsley were swept aside in the FA Cup, Marseille were beaten 3-0 in the Champions League, and Qarabag were dismantled 6-0 at Anfield in midweek. That result secured third place in the Champions League table and automatic qualification for the knockout rounds, a reminder that Liverpool’s ceiling remains high even if league consistency has wavered.

European Context Shapes Urgency

Newcastle arrive with their own European story still unfolding. Eddie Howe’s side earned a 1-1 draw away to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night, holding the holders at the Parc des Princes to reach the play off round of Europe’s premier competition. It was a performance built on resilience and organisation, qualities that will again be required at Anfield.

Saturday’s contest sits at the intersection of domestic need and continental ambition. A win would steady Liverpool’s league position and ease pressure on Slot, while Newcastle see an opportunity to reinforce their European push and underline progress made over recent seasons.

Slot Managing Defensive Crisis

Liverpool’s preparation has been shaped by a defensive injury crisis. Slot was forced to deploy Ryan Gravenberch at centre back against Qarabag, with Virgil van Dijk the only available senior option. Joe Gomez remains sidelined, while Ibrahima Konate was unavailable following the passing of his father.

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Konate will return for this fixture, a significant boost, as will Curtis Jones after illness ruled him out in midweek. There is less encouraging news at full back. Jeremie Frimpong has been ruled out for “weeks” after limping off inside five minutes against Qarabag, joining Conor Bradley on the treatment table, along with former Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.

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Newcastle Injury Toll Mounts

Newcastle’s own list of absentees continues to grow. Captain Bruno Guimaraes was not risked against PSG and Howe will hope to have him back here. Joelinton is facing “weeks” out with a groin injury, while Tino Livramento’s hamstring issue will keep him sidelined for around eight weeks.

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These absences test Newcastle’s depth, yet Howe has built a squad accustomed to adapting. Their approach remains bold, pressing high and committing numbers forward, even when personnel change.

Prediction and Historical Edge

Both sides are depleted, but their willingness to play on the front foot should produce an open contest. There will be no Alexander Isak involvement for Liverpool, removing the edge of a hostile reunion, but not the competitiveness.

With European confidence behind them and Anfield offering familiarity, Liverpool should have enough to edge this, despite their league concerns.

Prediction: Liverpool to win, 2-1

Head to head history and resultsLiverpool wins: 95Newcastle wins: 51Draws: 46