Best odds: 4/11
Bookmaker:
Newcastle United welcome title-chasing Liverpool to St. James Park in the round before the last of the 2018/19 Premier League season on Saturday evening.
Newcastle
The Magpies sit 13th at the moment, well above the relegation zone, and their Premier League status for next season is secured. On the other hand, they aren t in contention for a European spot and they therefore feel no pressure whatsoever to perform in this match. Further more, given the historic ties between manager Rafa Benitez and Liverpool, some believe that the Spaniard might feel some internal conflict of interest, but he has firmly rejected any such notion by promising the fans that his current team will be doing Liverpool no favors.
Team News
Forward Ayoze Perez will be ready despite picking up a knock on the hip in their draw at Brighton last weekend, and defender Jamaal Lascelles has recovered from an illness which made him miss that trip.
However, Benitez is still without three long-term absentees in defender Florian Lejeune and midfielders Miguel Almiron and Sean Longstaff, as well as defender DeAndre Yedlin who has picked up a groin problem.
Liverpool
Liverpool s midweek 3-0 defeat at Nou Camp will be tough to take for manager Jurgen Klopp and his team, especially given that they were by no means the weaker team in that contest. They will look to produce an unlikely comeback against the Catalans at Anfield next week, but they won t be dropping their guard against Newcastle on Saturday either. They are still in with a decent shot for the Premier League title with any points dropped by league leaders Manchester City likely to see them go top, but it can only happen if they win their own games in turn starting with Newcastle.
The Reds have been known to get a disappointing result this season too, but they ve evolved immensely when it comes to bouncing back. It s the biggest reason why they are able to keep up with City in this remarkable title race.
Team News
Following Ivan Rakitić s tackle from behind at Nou Camp, midfielder Naby Keita has been ruled out for two months, which effectively means for the rest of the season. However, Klopp is finally able to count on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who has recovered from a horror knee injury suffered over a year ago, and the former Arsenal man is ready to step into Keita s role.
Forward Roberto Firmino played as a late substitute against Barcelona having suffered a muscle problem beforehand, and he will be assessed for this game too.
Conclusion
With all due respect for the Magpies, it s hard to see Liverpool dropping points at St. James Park in this moment. They may have missed a few chances against Barcelona and it has cost them a lot, but they will surely put the foot through the pedal now, and Newcastle aren t likely to withstand such an onset regardless of Benitez s promise and his professional approach to the game.
Verdict: Liverpool win.
Best odds: 4/11
Bookmaker:
