Liverpool vs Newcastle - Predictions

Liverpool kick off 2024 by welcoming Newcastle United to Anfield in the Premier League on New Year's Day.

The Reds have made a blistering start to the 2023/24 campaign and find themselves firmly in the title race heading into the second half of the campaign.

However, following dropped points in their last two home league games against Manchester United and Arsenal, Jurgen Klopp will be eager for his side to bounce back with a victory against the injury-stricken Magpies on Monday.

The Reds have fond memories of the August meeting between the two sides at St. James' Park, Darwin Nunez's dramatic late double earning ten-man Liverpool a hard-fought three points.

It was a result that extended the Reds' unbeaten run against Newcastle to 14 matches, the last five of which have been victories. With Eddie Howe's side having lost six of their last seven games, Liverpool will be strong favourites at Anfield.

Here is how Anfield Watch's writers think the Reds will get on against Newcastle.

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Ewan Ross Murray: On paper, this could arguably be Liverpool's easiest fixture of the past month.

Newcastle are in truly dismal form and have an injury list that never seemingly lets up, while the Reds boast a truly remarkable record against Monday's opponents.

The Magpies haven't beaten Liverpool at Anfield since 1995 and you wouldn't imagine they will do so on New Year's Day given they have won one of their last five Premier League games.

Liverpool have looked much better in recent outings and have a little swagger back after an underwhelming period in early December in terms of performances.

I'm banking on a comfortable Liverpool win, even if it's not a beautiful game of football.

Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle

Alex Caple: At the start of the season, this felt like a massive game that would be a real test for Liverpool. Now it feels like one they've just got to win.

Newcastle aren't playing well and Liverpool are. It should be three points and the Reds will surely go into this with that mentality.

Mohamed Salah makes it interesting, though. This is his final game before leaving for AFCON - will that affect him at all? The last thing he wants is an injury now. At the same time, maybe he's particularly eager to go into the tournament on the back of a great performance.

All in all, Liverpool are favourites and you'd expect them to have enough to see off Newcastle.

Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle

Will Castle: Saying Newcastle have had a dip in form puts it nicely. They've been dreadful as of late, and look a shadow of the side they were expected to be this season.

Compounding losses against Bournemouth, Luton and a Chris Wood-fuelled Nottingham Forest has put serious pressure on Eddie Howe's job - something none of us would have predicted six months ago.

With Liverpool looking to mount a title push, it's these kind of games that you just have to win. And after getting back to winning ways against Burnley, I'm backing them to do just that.

Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle