Premier League: Leaders Liverpool Bring in the New Year

Liverpool vs Newcastle United

Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool will play the first Premier League match of 2024 next Monday when Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United are the visitors to Anfield. 

The Reds are currently the league leaders, but they may well be knocked off the top of the table by Monday, should second placed Arsenal win away to Fulham on New Years Eve. This game will be huge whatever comes before it and Liverpool, on the back of a 2-0 win away to Burnley will be devilishly difficult to beat.

Their opponents are in an unwelcome rut at the moment and will arrive on Merseyside with the memory of back-to-back defeats, to relegation candidates Luton Town and Nottingham Forest, etched in their memory. It’s been a miserable Christmas up on Tyneside but I suspect the New Year will not bring the Geordies too much cheer. The Reds are hot favourites at SBOTOP odds of 1.38 to win and I’m finding it hard to disagree. 

Talking Points

Reds are Manchester City’s biggest rivals

Liverpool’s trip to Burnley on Boxing Day was not as miserable as Klopp had feared and although Vincent Kompany’s young Clarets gave the Reds an uncomfortable second half, any nerves were settled when Diogo Jota fired in from a tight angle on 90 minutes. While Burnley came close to levelling Darwin Nunez’ opener, Liverpool could have been out of sight had Mo Salah had a little more luck in front of goal as he saw his best effort cannon back off the crossbar.

The latest Premier League 2023 betting odds say Liverpool are now the clear second favourites to win the 2024 Premier League crown, and they currently have a five point lead over Manchester City, though the favourites do have a game in hand. Liverpool have gone nicely through the gears in recent weeks and there are a number of reasons why. Firstly Salah looks as sharp as ever and his strike partner Nunez is having a superb season. And then there is the return to form of centre back Virgil Van Dijk and the re-invention of Trent Alexander-Arnold as a midfielder. Trent’s ability to make accurate long range passes is the perfect weapon to release the Reds’ lethal strikers on goal.

And if Liverpool’s current injuries clear up they will get even stronger. Inspirational wing back Andy Robertson is a long term absentee and Klopp hopes he may be back in the not too distant future though the Newcastle game will be much too early.  But the Liverpool boss is hopeful that Alexis MacAllister might be ready, and the Argentine will provide competition for the impressive Dominic Szoboszlai in advanced midfield.   

Newcastle’s search for goals

The Magpies have suffered with injuries in recent weeks and, while Liverpool have a multiple goal threat, Howe’s men have laboured in front of goal, only scoring more than one on one occasion over the past six games. A blank against Luton Town was damaging enough but scoring just once against Forest, when they could have been four up by the break was a real blow. And a poor run of Premier League 2023 results has put more pressure on the front men.

Howe has proven quality up front and I think he will put his trust in Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson, and the return of midfielder Joelinton will provide a welcome boost. Antony Gordon will likely stay on the left wing but Howe may opt to give the hard working Miguel Almiron a rest.

In defence, the recently returned Dan Burn has looked a little leggy and the Newcastle boss may opt to bring Timo Livramento back in the line-up, as he put in a run of strong performances earlier in the campaign.   

The Magpies are out of the Champions League and now they must concentrate on climbing back up the table… but their 2024 opener could hardly be more difficult.   

History

With 35 wins to 11 Liverpool have had the better of the head to head encounters and, when they met in Newcastle in August Klopp’s men ran out 2-1 winners as Nunez scored two late goals.

In terms of recent form three wins, two draws and a single loss for Liverpool is much stronger than Newcastle’s one victory and five losses, and the Geordies have failed to win at Anfield on any of their last 28 visits, while Liverpool’s home record reads seven wins and two draws this season.    

Betting Tip

The draw is at 4.42 to draw and a Newcastle win is at 5.61 but all the stats, the recent form, the injury situation of each clubs and home advantage all point one way.    

For a correct score-line, a 3-1 win to Liverpool is priced at 9.64 and I’d say that’s a very decent long shot bet.

 

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