Newcastle scored back-to-back wins for the first time this season when they scored a come-from-behind win over Tottenham last Sunday. They can extend their winning streak to three games when they face Liverpool, who are unbeaten in their last four Premier League outings, on Saturday.
In a battle of streaking teams, who will emerge victorious? Read on for a complete preview of this matchup and while you’re at it you can check out our preview of the Premier League derby clash between Manchester United and Manchester City here.
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Newcastle United vs. Liverpool Betting Preview
Where: St. James’ Park, Newcastle
When: Saturday, November 1, 8:45 AM ET
Line: Liverpool -123 at Newcastle United +265, tie +250; total 2.5 – view all EPL lines
What’s at Stake
[sc:Soccer240banner ]Liverpool can barge into the top four with an away win at St. James’ Park. Newcastle, on the other hand, can climb to as high as eighth and 13 points with a victory on Saturday.
Betting on Liverpool
Liverpool finally ended their goal drought at home as they grabbed a thrilling 2-1 victory over Swansea in the League Cup quarterfinals to end their two-game winless streak.
Mario Balotelli stole the headlines, for all the right reasons this time around, as he came off the bench to score the equalizer in the 86th minute. It has been a tough two months for Balotelli, who has faced criticism for both his antics off the field and his goalscoring record in his stay with Liverpool so far.
That late goal maybe what the doctor ordered for Balotelli who has failed to light up the English Premier League so far. Prior to the game against Swansea, Balotelli has scored just once in 11 appearances for the Reds. It only gets worse as he is still scoreless in seven Premier League outings since making his debut for Liverpool against Tottenham last August 31.
Balotelli has shown some signs of improvement lately. Manager Brendan Rodgers was complimentary about his striker’s performance in their last Premier League match against Hull (0-0). With England striker Daniel Sturridge still out injured, the onus is on Balotelli to carry the goal-scoring cudgels for Liverpool.
The Reds will take heart though in their recent away form in the Premier League, winning their last game on the road against QPR. It was a nip-and-tuck affair with Liverpool and QPR scoring four goals in what was a frantic last eight minutes with the Reds emerging victorious, 3-2.
England international Raheem Sterling was the hero for Liverpool then as he created two of their goals that proved to be the difference in the tight match. In 13 appearances so far this season, he has knocked in three goals and dished out two assists and his partnership with Balotelli will be crucial when they face Newcastle on the road.
They will fancy their chances of finding the back of the net as the Magpies have allowed seven goals in four matches at St. James’ Park in the EPL this season.
Liverpool FC are unbeaten in their last four meetings with Newcastle in the Premier League, winning twice and drawing twice the past two seasons.
Newcastle will head to their clash with Liverpool with confidence after they came back from a goal to down to beat Tottenham 2-1 at White Hart Lane last Sunday. Emanuel Adebayor opened the scoring for the hosts but second-half goals from Shola Ameobi and Ayoze Perez gave the Magpies their first away win of the season.
Perez, the 21-year-old summer signing from Spanish side Tenerife, impressed in his full debut last Sunday for Newcastle in the lone-striker role as he finally got the monkey of his back, netting the game-winner that helped them climb out of the relegation zone.
Much of the credit behind Newcastle’s recent revival should be given to manager Alan Pardew who was subjected to intense criticism in the early parts of the season because of their poor results. Two straight wins have eased the pressure somewhat on the 53-year old and they will now be licking their chops at the prospect of facing the mighty Liverpool this coming Saturday.
They are expected to utilize the same 4-5-1 formation that worked so well against Tottenham last weekend. Even though Tottenham had majority of the possession (67%), they found it difficult to create against Newcastle’s packed midfield. They also had to contend against the dynamic Perez who dropped back when the Magpies were defending but was always a threat on the attacking front with his pace when they managed to get the ball.
Perez flicked home Remy Cabella’s pinpoint cross in the 58th minute that sealed the win for Newcastle. Look for Pardew to not tinker with this winning formula when they host Liverpool this coming weekend.
Newcastle are only 1-2-1 at home in the Premier League so far this season.
Writer’s Prediction
Balotelli grabs the winner for Liverpool in a tight 1-0 win.
