Newcastle United vs Liverpool Preview – Premier League, December 4, 2024
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The Premier League continues with an exhilarating midweek clash as Newcastle United host Liverpool at St. James' Park on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. Both teams are in fierce competition for a place in the top four, with Newcastle aiming to establish themselves as a regular force in English football and Liverpool seeking to reclaim their status as title challengers.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Competition: English Premier League
Match: Newcastle United vs Liverpool
Venue: St. James’ Park, Newcastle, England
Kickoff Time: 8:00 PM (GMT)
Team Overview
Newcastle United
Under the guidance of Eddie Howe, Newcastle United have transformed into a dynamic side capable of challenging the Premier League elite. With the backing of their passionate fans at St. James’ Park, they have made their home a difficult place for visiting teams.
Form: Three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five league games.
Key Players: Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimarรฃes, Kieran Trippier.
Strengths: Quick transitions, aerial prowess, and solid defensive organization.
Liverpool
Liverpool, revitalized under Jรผrgen Klopp, are back in contention at the top of the Premier League table. With a mix of experienced stars and new signings, the Reds have found their rhythm again, combining high-pressing football with clinical finishing.
Form: Four wins and one draw in their last five league games.
Key Players: Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, Virgil van Dijk.
Strengths: Counter-attacking speed, creativity in midfield, and pressing intensity.
Team News
Newcastle United
Newcastle boast a deep squad, but injuries and suspensions may force Eddie Howe to shuffle his starting XI.
Injury Updates:
Sven Botman: Expected to miss out due to a groin strain.
Harvey Barnes: Out with a long-term injury.
Jacob Murphy: Doubtful with a shoulder issue.
Suspensions: None.
Liverpool
Liverpool’s squad remains relatively healthy, but a few fitness concerns could affect Klopp’s selections.
Injury Updates:
Andrew Robertson: Sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Thiago Alcantara: Continues his recovery from a muscle problem.
Luis Dรญaz: A doubt due to fatigue but could feature.
Suspensions: None.
Possible Lineups
Newcastle United (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Nick Pope
Defenders: Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schรคr, Jamaal Lascelles, Dan Burn
Midfielders: Bruno Guimarรฃes, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton
Forwards: Miguel Almirรณn, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon
Eddie Howe is likely to set up his side with a balanced approach, blending defensive discipline with quick transitions to exploit Liverpool’s high defensive line.
Liverpool (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konatรฉ, Kostas Tsimikas
Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones
Forwards: Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nรบรฑez, Diogo Jota
Liverpool will aim to control the midfield with Szoboszlai’s creativity and Mac Allister’s composure, while Salah’s pace and finishing remain their primary attacking outlet.
Playing Ground – St. James’ Park
St. James’ Park, with its iconic atmosphere, is one of the most challenging venues in English football. The Geordie faithful will be in full voice, creating an electric environment to spur Newcastle on.
Head-to-Head
Newcastle and Liverpool have a rich history, with their encounters often producing high-intensity football and dramatic moments.
Last 5 Meetings:
August 2024: Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle
February 2024: Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
August 2023: Newcastle 1-2 Liverpool
February 2023: Newcastle 0-2 Liverpool
August 2022: Liverpool 1-0 Newcastle
Liverpool have dominated recent meetings, winning all five of their last encounters. However, Newcastle’s resurgence under Eddie Howe could make this fixture more competitive.
Tactical Analysis
Newcastle United
Newcastle will look to disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm by pressing aggressively in midfield and exploiting spaces in behind their high line. Eddie Howe may also rely on set-pieces, where Newcastle have been particularly strong this season.
Key Tactical Objectives:
Utilize Trippier’s delivery to create chances from wide areas.
Isolate Alexander-Arnold defensively with Gordon’s pace.
Maintain defensive discipline to contain Liverpool’s front three.
Liverpool
Liverpool will aim to dominate possession, create overloads in wide areas, and capitalize on Salah’s movement off the ball. Klopp’s side may also target Newcastle’s backline with Nรบรฑez’s pace and directness.
Key Tactical Objectives:
Overlap and underlap with Alexander-Arnold’s inverted role in midfield.
Press Newcastle’s midfield trio to force turnovers high up the pitch.
Exploit set-pieces, given Newcastle’s vulnerabilities in transition.
Key Players to Watch
Alexander Isak (Newcastle): The Swedish forward has been in excellent form, combining skill with clinical finishing.
Bruno Guimarรฃes (Newcastle): The midfield maestro will dictate Newcastle’s tempo and aim to neutralize Liverpool’s creative players.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): Salah remains Liverpool’s talisman, capable of changing games with his pace and goalscoring ability.
Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool): The Hungarian playmaker has brought flair and creativity to Liverpool’s midfield this season.
Live Stream and Broadcast Information
UK: BT Sport and Sky Sports.
USA: NBC Sports, Peacock.
India: Star Sports Select, Disney+ Hotstar.
Global: Check local listings or visit the Premier League’s official website for live streaming options.
Prediction
This match has the potential to be a thrilling contest between two high-quality teams. While Liverpool’s recent dominance in this fixture gives them the edge, Newcastle’s home advantage and improved squad depth could lead to a closely fought encounter.
Predicted Score: Newcastle United 2-2 Liverpool