This is a huge battle of the North. Liverpool are desperate. They have not won a single Premier League game in 2026. Last week, they lost 3-2 to Bournemouth after leading 2-0. It was a painful defeat that dropped them to 6th place. However, they showed their anger in the Champions League by destroying Qarabag 6-0 in midweek. Anfield is still a fortress; they are unbeaten there in 7 games across all competitions.
Newcastle United are also struggling. They lost 2-0 to Aston Villa last weekend and really missed their star man Bruno Guimaraes. Without him, they look weak. They are 9th in the table and have only won 3 away games all season. But they did get a good 1-1 draw against PSG in Paris recently.
Liverpool have a crazy record against Newcastle at Anfield (unbeaten in 29 straight games). Can Newcastle finally break the curse, or will Liverpool get their season back on track?Liverpool vs Newcastle: Key Stats
Head-to-head: Liverpool 96 wins, Newcastle 51 wins, 45 Draws
Anfield Curse: Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 29 Premier League home games against Newcastle.
Liverpool: Failed to win their first 6 league games of a calendar year for the first time since 1954.
Newcastle: Winless in all 9 games where Bruno Guimaraes did not start.
Liverpool: Unbeaten in 38 of their last 44 home matches.
Last meeting: Liverpool 3-2 Newcastle (August, earlier this season).
Photo Credit (Getty Images)
What to Expect: Injuries vs The Return of the King
Liverpool;
The Reds have a big problem in defense. Right-back Jeremie Frimpong is injured. With other defenders out, we might see midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai play in defense or Wataru Endo step in. It is a makeshift backline. However, their attack is dangerous. They scored 6 goals in midweek. Expect them to attack fast to hide their defensive weakness. They need this win to stop the fans from worrying.
Newcastle;
The good news is Bruno Guimaraes is back. He is the heartbeat of this team. When he plays, Newcastle are a different beast. However, Joelinton is out injured, which hurts their physical power. Newcastle’s plan will be simple: survive the early pressure and use the speed of Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes to attack Liverpool's injury-hit defense. But their away form (only 3 wins all season) is a major worry.
Predicted Lineups
Liverpool (4-2-3-1) 🔴: Alisson; Szoboszlai, Endo, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
Newcastle United (4-3-3) ⚫⚪: Pope; Thiaw, Botman, Burn; Trippier, Guimaraes, Tonali, Hall; Barnes, Wissa, Gordon
Players and Matchups to Watch
Bruno Guimaraes: He is back! Newcastle struggle without him. He needs to control the midfield battle against Mac Allister.
Mohamed Salah: He is always the main man at Anfield. With the defense struggling, Salah needs to score to keep Liverpool ahead.
Hugo Ekitike: The striker will lead the line. Can he score against the strong Newcastle defenders Botman and Burn?
Anthony Gordon: The former Everton man loves to play against Liverpool. His speed will be dangerous against Liverpool's makeshift right side.
Odds Market on MSport
💵 Liverpool to win: 1.88
💵 Newcastle to win: 4.06
💵 Draw: 4.01
💵 Over 2.5 Goals: 1.65
💵 Both Teams to Score (GG): 1.62
Liverpool are having a hard time in the league, but Anfield is their safe place. They have not lost to Newcastle at home in 29 games in the EPL—that is an incredible record. Newcastle are poor away from home (scoring less than 1 goal per game on average). With Guimaraes back, Newcastle will fight, but Liverpool’s attack (fresh from scoring 6 goals) should have enough to win this one.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle
