Kick-off: 1630, 27/08/2023
Stadium: St James’ Park
TV: Sky Sports
Newcastle and Liverpool face another early test of their top-four credentials when they meet on Tyneside in the pick of this weekend’s Premier League fixtures.
Both teams have reasons for optimism this season but it is Liverpool who need the biggest improvement, especially on the road having suffered eight away defeats last season.
They have a good record at St James’ Park but we believe home advantage can give the hosts the edge at 23/20 for our opening Newcastle vs Liverpool prediction.
Howe has plenty of options
Newcastle returned empty-handed from their trip to Manchester City but losing to the treble winners is no disgrace and they were competitive in a 1-0 loss.
The result punctured some of their buoyancy after a 5-1 thrashing of Aston Villa on the opening weekend but manager Eddie Howe emphasised the positives.
He said: “They controlled it but you have to give them credit. They are a top team and that’s why they win so much.
“It’s disappointing not to get anything from the game but we’ll reflect and analyse and there’s so much to take from the game.
“We go into another one against Liverpool, which will be similar, and there’s lots to take into that match.”
While Newcastle were blanked at the Etihad Stadium, the way in which they tore through Villa’s defence bodes well and having the likes of Callum Wilson and Harvey Barnes on the bench highlights the depth in the squad this season.
Both players struck in the final 15 minutes against Villa and Newcastle had the best defensive record in the second half last season, conceding just 18 goals.
Looking at the Newcastle vs Liverpool odds, the Magpies appeal at 9/4 to win the second half to nil.
Reds still look vulnerable
Liverpool did not have things all their own way despite getting a first win on the board with a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth at Anfield.
In a dramatic home opener, the Reds needed goals from Luis Diaz, Mo Salah and Diogo Jota to respond to a third-minute strike from Antoine Semenyo and played the final half an hour with 10 men after Alexis Mac Allister’s home debut was cut short by a controversial red card in the 58th minute.
That all came after a torrid start from Jurgen Klopp’s side. A bright and energetic Bournemouth side had already seen a Jaidon Anthony goal ruled out for offside following a defensive mix-up when Semenyo punished more lax play by drilling in the opening goal after only three minutes.
Liverpool soon had another scare with goalkeeper Alisson felling Anthony on the edge of the box after misplacing a pass, his punishment limited to a yellow card with Ibrahima Konate covering.
A repeat of such defending will quickly be punished by Newcastle while Liverpool lacked defensive control in midfield in their opening 1-1 draw at Chelsea.
It may take time for the new-look midfield to gel and a 3-1 home win at 13/1 completes our Newcastle vs Liverpool betting tips.
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