Eddie Howe lauded the influence of Arne Slot with Premier League leaders Liverpool, although insists the title race is much from over forward of Newcastle United’s assembly on Wednesday.
Liverpool are 9 factors clear on the summit heading into the midweek motion, having dispatched Manchester Metropolis with a 2-0 win at Anfield on Sunday.
That opened up an 11-point hole between the Reds and Pep Guardiola’s defending champions, but Howe believes the title battle is much from over in December.
“No, I feel nothing is ever safe or performed till it’s performed,” mentioned Howe. “The Premier League is understood for twists and turns, so who is aware of what’s going to occur.
“I feel they’re a staff in the intervening time taking part in with full confidence, they’ve nonetheless obtained the hallmark of Liverpool beneath Jurgen Klopp.
“However Arne has now had his time with the staff and tweaked sure issues, that makes them a really troublesome proposition as a result of they’ve added new strengths.”
Subsequent up…
The Reds are on the street to tackle Newcastle United at St James’ Park pic.twitter.com/1cJia0wkBa
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 3, 2024
Newcastle have been defeated 2-0 at dwelling by West Ham earlier than a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace final Saturday.
Slot believes travelling to Newcastle will pose a harder check than dealing with Actual Madrid, nevertheless, having defeated Los Blancos final week within the Champions League.
“We all know now we have a troublesome week developing once more,” Slot mentioned.
“We thought Madrid and Metropolis have been very troublesome groups to face, which they really have been as nicely. I feel it’s even more durable going away to Newcastle.
“We’re not even midway by means of the season but.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Newcastle United – Alexander Isak
Health allowing if Alexander Isak can shake off a knock suffered at Palace, the Sweden striker will likely be key to any dwelling hopes right here.
The Newcastle ahead has 21 targets in 30 dwelling Premier League appearances, though he has solely scored twice from 18 makes an attempt at St James’ Park this season.
Liverpool – Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah stole the present as soon as extra towards Metropolis, scoring from the penalty spot and aiding Cody Gakpo’s opener.
The Liverpool star has additionally been concerned in 14 Premier League targets towards Newcastle (eight targets, six assists), with these coming in his final 13 appearances towards them.
pic.twitter.com/AObktniGXh
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 2, 2024
MATCH PREDICTION – LIVERPOOL WIN
Liverpool are agency favourites for this one contemplating they’ve received every of their final six conferences with Newcastle within the Premier League.
The Magpies are winless within the final 15 top-flight conferences general (D4 L11), whereas Liverpool have received 5 of their final six league visits to St. James’ Park.
Certainly, the Reds’ three-match successful streak on the street towards Newcastle is their longest such streak towards Wednesday’s hosts within the competitors.
Count on drama, too, given Liverpool have received 11 Premier League video games by which they’ve trailed towards Newcastle, essentially the most comeback wins one aspect has towards one other within the competitors’s historical past.
To make issues worse for the hosts, they’ve received simply one in every of their final 26 Premier League conferences towards sides beginning the day high of the desk (D7 L18), a feat which may proceed right here.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Newcastle United win – 26.2percentDraw – 23.6percentLiverpool win – 50.2%
