After the fireworks on and off the field at Anfield on Wednesday night, Liverpool make their final stop of a successful 2019/20 Premier League campaign on Sunday, with a trip to St James’ Park to take on Newcastle United.
Premier League Champions Face Newcastle United
Awarded the Trophy
With the celebrations fresh in the mind of the champions, Jurgen Klopp’s men will be looking to cap off their remarkable campaign with one final flourish. Whilst Newcastle, who remain in limbo over their proposed takeover, have nothing bar securing 13th place to play for.
Given the gulf in position and points between the two sides, it would be easy to assume the result was a foregone conclusion, however, Liverpool have been unpredictable at best since confirming the title. Similarly, the Magpies’ have been rather unpredictable since confirming their Premier League safety following the restart.
Recent Result and Last Meeting
Prior to the celebrations on Wednesday, Liverpool took care of business on the field in a rather unconventional manner. Far from their resolute disciplined best, a free-flowing performance, strewn with defensive errors, saw the Reds’ eventually run out 5-3 winners. Thanks to superb goals all around from Naby Keita, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Robert Firmino, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Former Newcastle man Gini Wijnaldum was the other man to score for the champions.
Steve Bruce‘s men played out an uneventful goalless draw in their last match away at Brighton. Dangerman Allan Saint-Maximin will be the man to look out for in terms of goal-threat for the home side. The Frenchman has four assists and three goals this season, he has been integral to Newcastle’s Premier League survival.
In the reverse fixture, Liverpool had to come from behind to win at Anfield in September. Jetro Williams shocked the then runaway leaders on nine minutes when he gave the Magpies’ the lead. The champions-elect, however, bounced back in typical convincing style with a brace from Sadio Mane and a Mohamed Salah strike, to take all three points in a 3-1 victory.
Team News
Jürgen Klopp has almost a fully fit squad to pick from, and he may wish to utilise some of the youngsters to allow them to acquire more valuable first-team experience ahead of their increased involvement next season. The German boss may also give some farewell minutes to the departing Adam Lallana, who leaves the club after this match.
The champions remain without the newly named FWA Footballer of the Year Jordan Henderson, who will be out until the start of next season with a knee injury.
Steve Bruce is facing a defensive injury crisis ahead of the final game of the season, youngster Kelland Watts could be handed his debut against the champions, a true baptism of fire. Isaac Hayden and Sean Longstaff are welcome returns to the Newcastle squad.
Prediction
This is a fixture that has seen some classic matches down the years, these two have played out numerous high scoring matches packed with great goals. This encounter could be another one for the archives as both sides come into this clash with the shackles off. Jürgen Klopp could yet rest some of his stars and make it slightly less of a spectacle, however, it should still be a cracker.
Newcastle 2-3 Liverpool
Main Photo
